Hazing Lawyers in Delta County, Colorado – Protecting Students from Abuse and Negligence

Hazing Happens in Delta County – We Hold Institutions Accountable

Delta County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. But the reality is that hazing – a dangerous and often illegal form of initiation – happens at universities near Delta County, including Colorado Mesa University, Fort Lewis College, and other regional institutions. Greek organizations, sports teams, and student clubs across Colorado have been involved in hazing incidents that have led to serious injuries, psychological trauma, and even death.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – a case that has exposed waterboarding, forced exercise to the point of kidney failure, and a culture of abuse that exists nationwide. If this can happen in Houston, it can happen in Delta County. We are committed to fighting for Delta County families who have been affected by hazing, no matter where the incident occurred.

What Is Hazing? The Delta County Reality

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or maintaining membership in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them – regardless of their willingness to participate. In Colorado, hazing is a crime under state law, and consent is not a defense.

Common Hazing Practices in Delta County and Beyond

Hazing incidents near Delta County often involve:

• Forced alcohol consumption – Binge drinking, “chugging” contests, alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical punishment – Excessive exercise, beatings, paddling, branding
• Psychological abuse – Sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats, isolation
• Dangerous stunts – Blindfolded activities, forced consumption of non-food items, confinement
• Sexual harassment or assault – Forced nudity, inappropriate touching, sexualized rituals
• Waterboarding and simulated drowning – A form of torture reported in national fraternity cases

These are not “traditions” – they are crimes. And when universities and national organizations fail to stop them, they share liability for the harm caused.

Why Delta County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting Hazing Right Now – And Winning

We are currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats, waterboarded with a garden hose, and struck with wooden paddles. The fraternity chapter was shut down, and the national organization admitted to “violations” – but they’re already planning to return to campus.

This isn’t just a case – it’s a movement to stop hazing. We will bring the same aggressive representation to Delta County families.

2. Nationwide Reach – We Serve Delta County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont

While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Delta County. Through:

• Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
• Video consultations for Delta County families
• Willingness to travel to Delta County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Remote evidence collection (texts, social media, medical records)

Distance is not a barrier to justice. If your child was hazed at a university near Delta County, we can help.

3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know How They’ll Fight Back

Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, previously worked for insurance defense firms, representing companies that tried to minimize or deny claims. We know their playbook because we used to write it.

Now, we use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for Delta County victims. When fraternities or universities try to claim your child “consented” or that “it was just tradition,” we know exactly how to counter them.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission – Texas & New York

We are licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages in hazing cases:

• Many national fraternities and sororities are headquartered in New York
• We can pursue claims against national organizations in their home jurisdiction
• This dual admission strengthens our ability to hold Delta County defendants accountable

5. No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency

We understand that Delta County families may be hesitant to pursue legal action due to cost concerns. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – meaning:

✅ $0 upfront costs
✅ We only get paid if we win your case
✅ Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict – not your pocket

You have nothing to lose by contacting us. If we take your case, we believe in it – and we’ll fight for the maximum compensation possible.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Delta County?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held responsible, including:

1. The Local Chapter (Fraternity/Sorority/Team)

• Directly organized and conducted hazing activities
• Chapter officers (president, pledge master) who directed abuse
• Individual members who participated

2. National Organizations (Fraternities/Sororities)

• Knew or should have known about hazing culture
• Failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Provided inadequate training or oversight
• Example: Pi Kappa Phi had a hazing death in 2017 (Andrew Coffey) – yet our client was hospitalized in 2025. They knew the risks and did nothing.

3. Universities and Colleges Near Delta County

• Failed to supervise student organizations
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Owned or controlled property where hazing occurred
• Example: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. If a Delta County university owns or controls property where hazing occurs, they share liability.

4. Individual Perpetrators

• Members who directly participated in hazing
• Officers who directed activities
• Alumni who hosted hazing events

5. Housing Corporations

• Owned or managed fraternity/sorority houses
• Failed to prevent hazing on their property

6. Insurance Companies

• Liability policies covering fraternities, universities, and individuals

We sue everyone responsible – not just the students involved, but the institutions that enabled them.

What Damages Can Delta County Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy)
• Future medical expenses (ongoing treatment, potential complications)
• Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
• Educational costs (tuition for missed semesters, transfer expenses)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering (from injuries, medical procedures, recovery)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, shame, loss of trust)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)

Punitive Damages

• Awarded when conduct is egregious, reckless, or intentional
• Meant to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing
• Example: In our Pi Kappa Phi case, waterboarding and forced exercise to the point of kidney failure support punitive damages

Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts are common in hazing cases. Our goal is to ensure Delta County families receive the maximum compensation possible.

Colorado Hazing Laws – What Delta County Families Need to Know

Criminal Hazing Laws in Colorado

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-124, hazing is a crime that can result in:

• Class 3 Misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail, $750 fine) for hazing that creates a risk of bodily injury
• Class 2 Misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail, $1,000 fine) if hazing results in bodily injury
• Class 1 Misdemeanor (up to 18 months in jail, $5,000 fine) if hazing results in serious bodily injury

Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.

Civil Liability for Hazing in Colorado

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims can sue for:

• Negligence (failure to prevent foreseeable harm)
• Assault and battery (intentional harmful contact)
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress (extreme and outrageous conduct)
• Premises liability (if hazing occurred on property owned by the university or organization)
• Negligent supervision (failure to oversee student organizations)

Colorado has no cap on non-economic damages (pain and suffering), meaning juries can award substantial compensation.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Delta County

If your child has been a victim of hazing at a university near Delta County, time is critical. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately apparent
• Medical records are crucial evidence in your case

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
• Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any items used
• Document witness names (other pledges, bystanders)
• Keep all medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes)

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• They will try to control the narrative and destroy evidence
• Anything you say can be used against you

4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
• We will guide you through the legal process and protect your rights

5. Report the Incident

• File a police report (hazing is a crime in Colorado)
• Report to the university (Title IX office, student affairs)
• Report to the national organization (if applicable)

The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutes of limitations apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Delta County

Q: My child signed a waiver – can we still sue?

A: Yes. Colorado law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child signed a waiver or “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

Q: The fraternity says it was “just tradition” – is that a defense?

A: No. “Tradition” does not justify illegal or dangerous behavior. Courts have repeatedly ruled that hazing is not protected by tradition.

Q: My child was hazed but didn’t go to the hospital – do we still have a case?

A: Yes. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have suffered:

• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Emotional distress (humiliation, shame)
• Lost academic time
• Future medical risks (e.g., kidney damage from rhabdomyolysis may not appear immediately)

Q: We’re in Delta County – how can a Texas law firm help us?

A: We represent hazing victims nationwide, including in Delta County. Through:

• Federal court authority (we can sue national organizations in federal court)
• Video consultations (we meet with Delta County families remotely)
• Travel to Delta County (for depositions, trials, and client meetings)
• Remote evidence collection (we handle medical records, texts, and documents electronically)

We’ve helped clients across America – and we’ll fight for Delta County families too.

Q: How much is my hazing case worth?

Every case is unique, but hazing settlements and verdicts often reach millions of dollars, including:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State)
• $6.1 million (Maxwell Gruver, Phi Delta Theta, LSU)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi, Penn State)

Our $10 million demand in the Pi Kappa Phi case is in line with these precedents.

Q: What if the fraternity or university tries to blame my child?

They will likely argue:

• “Your child consented”
• “It was just tradition”
• “They could have left at any time”

We know how to defeat these defenses:

• Consent is not a defense under Colorado law
• “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity
• Fear of retaliation and social pressure negate “consent”

Fraternities and Organizations Near Delta County with Hazing Histories

While we cannot comment on specific incidents at Delta County institutions without evidence, these national organizations have been involved in hazing deaths and lawsuits across the country – and they have active chapters near Delta County:

If your child was hazed by any of these organizations near Delta County, we can help.

Delta County Hazing Lawyers – Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child has been a victim of hazing at a university near Delta County, you are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now – and we will fight for Delta County families with the same determination.

Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We work on contingency – $0 upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Delta County families: Enough is enough. Let’s hold them accountable.