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Denver County (Earth/North America/United States/Colorado/Denver County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M in Pike Settlements Exposed | $50M+ in National Hazing Cases | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Evidence Preservation Specialists | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 20, 2026 21 min read
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🚨 Denver County Hazing Lawyer | Fraternity Abuse Attorney | $10M Lawsuit Experience

Protecting Denver County Students from Greek Life Hazing β€” Nationwide Representation from Houston

⚠️ Denver County Families: This Is Happening Near You

The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston have chapters at universities near Denver County. The same negligence that hospitalized our client exists at Denver County institutions. If your child has been hazed in Denver County, we will fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to the $10 million Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit.

πŸ“° BREAKING: We’re Fighting This Battle RIGHT NOW β€” $10M Hazing Lawsuit Filed

Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filed: November 21, 2025 β€” Harris County, Texas
Damages Sought: $10 MILLION
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena β€” Attorney 911

What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Denver County:

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student who wasn’t even enrolled at University of Houston yet, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. Over seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic torture that hospitalized him for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. The fraternity:

  • Waterboarded him with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
  • Forced him to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck him with wooden paddles
  • Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him lie in vomit-soaked grass
  • Forced another pledge to be hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour
  • Allowed a pledge to lose consciousness during a workout (October 15, 2025) β€” and kept hazing

He crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. The day after that, his mother rushed him to the hospital with kidney failure. β€” Ralph Manginello

This isn’t “tradition.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s not “building character.” It’s torture. And it’s happening at universities near Denver County.

πŸ›οΈ Who We’re Suing β€” The Same Defendants Denver County Families Face

Defendant Why They’re Liable Denver County Connection
Pi Kappa Phi National Knew about “hazing crisis”; failed to supervise chapters Operates chapters at universities near Denver County
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing Same chapters exist near Denver County
University of Houston Owned fraternity house; failed to prevent hazing Denver County universities have same oversight failures
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed hazing Same positions exist in Denver County chapters
Individual Members Participated in hazing Same culture exists in Denver County
Former Members Hosted hazing at their homes Same off-campus locations in Denver County

Denver County Families: The same fraternities, the same universities, the same negligence. We will hold Denver County institutions accountable just like we’re doing in Houston.

πŸ’” This Could Be Your Denver County Child

The same national fraternities that operate at University of Houston have active chapters at universities near Denver County, including:

  • University of Colorado Denver
  • Metropolitan State University of Denver
  • University of Denver
  • Colorado State University (Fort Collins)
  • University of Colorado Boulder
  • Colorado School of Mines
  • Regis University
  • Community College of Denver
  • Front Range Community College

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β€” these are the same organizations that have paid MILLIONS in hazing settlements nationwide. They operate near Denver County. Your child could be next.

πŸ“‹ What Denver County Hazing Looks Like β€” Warning Signs

If your Denver County child is experiencing any of these, they may be being hazed:

Category Warning Signs
Physical Abuse Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or injuries β€’ Extreme exhaustion β€’ Difficulty walking β€’ Dark urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
Forced Consumption Vomiting after “events” β€’ Alcohol poisoning symptoms β€’ Choking hazards β€’ Food poisoning
Sleep Deprivation Extreme fatigue β€’ Falling asleep in class β€’ Irritability β€’ Difficulty concentrating
Psychological Abuse Anxiety β€’ Depression β€’ PTSD symptoms β€’ Fear of retribution β€’ Nightmares
Humiliation Forced to wear embarrassing clothing β€’ Carrying strange objects β€’ Being called degrading names
Excessive Exercise Extreme soreness β€’ Muscle pain β€’ Heat exhaustion β€’ Collapsing during workouts
Servitude Forced to run errands β€’ Forced to clean β€’ Forced to drive members at all hours

Denver County Parents: If your child shows these signs, ACT IMMEDIATELY. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. Preserve evidence. Protect your rights.

πŸ’° Denver County Families Can Win β€” $10M+ Precedents Prove It

We’ve studied every major hazing verdict and settlement in America. The same results are possible for Denver County victims.

Case University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1 MILLION
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1 MILLION
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110+ MILLION
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi Settlement $4+ MILLION
Tucker Hipps Clemson Sigma Phi Epsilon Settlement $500,000+
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential
Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi $10 MILLION LAWSUIT PENDING

Denver County Families: These aren’t isolated incidents. This is a national crisis. Your Denver County child deserves the same justice.

βš–οΈ Denver County Hazing Laws β€” What You Need to Know

Colorado Hazing Laws (C.R.S. Β§ 18-9-124)

Definition of Hazing:

Any activity that recklessly endangers the health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any student organization.

Criminal Penalties:

Offense Level Punishment
Class 3 Misdemeanor Up to 6 months jail, $750 fine
Class 2 Misdemeanor If injury occurs β€” up to 12 months jail, $1,000 fine
Class 4 Felony If serious bodily injury or death occurs β€” 2-6 years prison, $2,000-$500,000 fine

Organizational Liability:

  • Student organizations can be fined up to $10,000
  • Universities can revoke recognition

Consent is NOT a Defense:

It is not a defense that the victim consented to the hazing activity.

Denver County Families: The law is on your side. Consent doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of whether your child “agreed” to participate.

πŸ₯ Medical Consequences of Hazing β€” What Denver County Parents Must Know

Hazing doesn’t just hurt feelings. It can cause permanent, life-threatening damage.

Condition Cause Symptoms Long-Term Risks
Rhabdomyolysis Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls) Severe muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, inability to move Kidney failure, permanent kidney damage, death
Acute Kidney Failure Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown damages kidneys) Swelling, confusion, decreased urine output, nausea Dialysis, kidney transplant, chronic kidney disease
Alcohol Poisoning Forced binge drinking Confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, unconsciousness Brain damage, death
Traumatic Brain Injury Falls, beatings, head strikes Headache, confusion, dizziness, memory loss Permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes
Heat Stroke Extreme exercise in hot conditions High body temperature, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness Organ damage, death
Hypothermia Exposure to cold weather Shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse, confusion Cardiac arrest, death
PTSD/Anxiety/Depression Psychological abuse, waterboarding, humiliation Nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, emotional numbness Long-term mental health disorders, suicide risk

Denver County Parents: If your child shows any of these symptoms after a fraternity or sorority event, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY. Then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.

πŸ” What to Do If Your Denver County Child Is Hazed β€” Step-by-Step Guide

ACT FAST. EVIDENCE DISAPPEARS. RIGHTS EXPIRE.

Step Action Why It Matters
1. Ensure Safety Remove your child from the situation immediately Prevent further harm
2. Seek Medical Attention Go to the ER or urgent care β€” even if injuries seem minor Document injuries; rhabdomyolysis symptoms may be delayed
3. Preserve Evidence Take photos of injuries, clothing, hazing locations Visual evidence is powerful
4. Save Communications Screenshot all texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs Digital evidence is discoverable
5. Document Witnesses Get names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses Witness testimony strengthens your case
6. DO NOT TALK TO THE ORGANIZATION Fraternities/sororities will try to control the narrative Anything you say can be used against you
7. DO NOT POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA Insurance companies will use posts to minimize your claim “Looking fine” posts can destroy your case
8. Contact an Attorney Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately Free consultation; we work on contingency ($0 upfront)
9. File Police Report Consider filing criminal charges Criminal + civil liability
10. Report to University File Title IX or student conduct report Institutional accountability

Denver County Families: The first 72 hours are critical. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before you do anything else.

πŸ† Why Denver County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We’re Fighting This Fight RIGHT NOW β€” $10M Pi Kappa Phi Lawsuit

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re in the courtroom fighting it. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi is active, in the news, and setting precedent. Denver County families get the same aggressive representation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β€” We Know Their Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know how they defend hazing cases. We know how to dismantle their arguments.

3. Nationwide Reach β€” We Serve Denver County from Houston

  • Federal court authority β€” Can pursue Denver County cases in federal jurisdiction
  • Dual-state bar licenses β€” Texas AND New York
  • Video consultations β€” Meet with us remotely
  • Willingness to travel β€” We come to Denver County for depositions and trials

Distance is not a barrier to justice for Denver County families.

4. Rhabdomyolysis Expertise β€” The Same Injury as Our Client

Our client was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from forced exercise. We understand this medical condition and how to litigate it. Many personal injury attorneys don’t.

5. $10+ Million Case Experience

  • BP Texas City explosion litigation β€” Multi-billion dollar mass tort
  • Wrongful death cases β€” Millions recovered for grieving families
  • Catastrophic injury cases β€” Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
  • Hazing-specific focus β€” Kappa Sigma, Texas A&M, rhabdomyolysis cases

Denver County families need attorneys who know how to win big cases.

6. We Work on Contingency β€” $0 Upfront for Denver County Families

We understand that cost can be a barrier. We take hazing cases on contingency:

  • $0 upfront fees
  • $0 out of pocket expenses
  • We don’t get paid unless YOU get paid

Denver County families pay nothing unless we win your case.

7. Bilingual Services β€” Se Habla EspaΓ±ol

Many hazing victims in Denver County are Hispanic. We provide comprehensive legal services in Spanish:

  • Initial consultations in Spanish
  • Ongoing case communication in Spanish
  • Document translation and explanation
  • Courtroom interpretation coordination

No language barriers to justice for Denver County families.

8. We Travel to Denver County β€” Immediate Response

We will come to Denver County for:

  • Client meetings
  • Depositions
  • Trials
  • Media appearances
  • University meetings

We’re not just a phone call. We’re on the ground in Denver County when you need us.

πŸ“ž Denver County Hazing Victims β€” Call Now for Free Consultation

1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Available 24/7 for Denver County hazing emergencies

We offer:
βœ… Free, confidential case evaluation
βœ… Immediate evidence preservation guidance
βœ… $0 upfront β€” we work on contingency
βœ… Bilingual services (se habla espaΓ±ol)
βœ… Nationwide representation from Houston

Denver County Families: The clock is ticking. Call before evidence disappears and your rights expire.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions β€” Denver County Hazing Cases

Q: My child was hazed at a Denver County university. Can you help us?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Denver County. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case and will bring the same aggressive representation to Denver County families.

Q: What if my child “consented” to the hazing?

A: Consent is not a defense in Colorado. Colorado Revised Statutes Β§ 18-9-124 explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing. Your child’s rights were violated regardless of whether they “agreed” to participate.

Q: How much is my Denver County hazing case worth?

A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors include:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Medical expenses
  • Psychological trauma
  • University’s knowledge of prior hazing
  • Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise, etc.)
  • Pattern of abuse at the chapter

Our current case seeks $10 million. Denver County cases can reach similar amounts.

Q: Who can we sue in a Denver County hazing case?

A: Multiple parties may be liable, including:

  • The local fraternity/sorority chapter
  • The national organization
  • The university (if they knew or should have known)
  • Individual members who participated
  • Former members who hosted hazing
  • Housing corporations

We sue everyone responsible to maximize your recovery.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: Location doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on campus, at a fraternity house, or at a private residence. We can pursue claims against the organization and individuals regardless of location.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We understand the fear. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is fearful of retribution. We protect our clients’ identities and pursue legal action aggressively to prevent retaliation. You are not alone.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Denver County?

A: Colorado has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should contact an attorney immediately β€” evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records.

Q: What if the fraternity says it was “just tradition” or “boys being boys”?

A: This is not tradition. It’s abuse. Waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, wooden paddles β€” these are not “traditions.” They are torture, assault, and reckless endangerment. Juries will not accept “tradition” as an excuse.

Q: What if the university says they didn’t know?

A: Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew about prior hazing incidents (and most do), their failure to act makes them liable. We investigate what the university knew and when they knew it.

Q: Can we sue if no one was hospitalized?

A: Yes. Psychological trauma, humiliation, and minor physical injuries are all compensable. Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may have a valid claim for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages.

Q: How much will hiring an attorney cost our Denver County family?

A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency β€” you pay nothing unless we win your case. Denver County families pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Q: What if my child was hazed at a community college in Denver County?

A: We represent hazing victims at all types of institutions, including:

  • Four-year universities
  • Community colleges
  • Private colleges
  • Trade schools
  • Military academies

If there’s Greek life near Denver County, there’s hazing risk.

Q: What if the fraternity has already closed the chapter?

A: Closing the chapter doesn’t erase liability. Pi Kappa Phi closed their UH chapter 7 days before our lawsuit was filed β€” they knew it was coming. We pursue the national organization, individual members, and any entity that enabled the hazing.

πŸ”₯ To Denver County Fraternities and Universities: We Are Coming for You

You have been warned.

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β€” and every fraternity with chapters near Denver County:

We are tracking your house corporations. We are tracking your alumni chapters. We are tracking your national organizations. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your hazing death records.

If you haze students in Denver County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue them all. We will win.

To University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University, University of Denver, and every Denver County institution:

You own the buildings. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect. You have the power to shut it down. When you fail to protect students, you share liability. When students are hazed on your property, you are responsible.

The Pi Kappa Phi chapter that hospitalized our client? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.

That’s what happens when you haze in Denver County.

πŸ“š Denver County Hazing Resources

Resource Contact Purpose
Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline 1-888-ATTY-911 Free legal consultation for Denver County victims
Colorado Anti-Hazing Law C.R.S. Β§ 18-9-124 Full text of Colorado hazing statute
StopHazing.org www.stophazing.org Research and prevention resources
HazingPrevention.org www.hazingprevention.org Educational resources
Clery Center www.clerycenter.org Campus safety and reporting resources
National Hazing Hotline 1-888-NOT-HAZE Anonymous reporting
Denver County Police 911 (emergency) or non-emergency number File criminal report
University Title IX Offices Varies by institution Report hazing as gender-based violence

πŸ† Denver County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing is not your child’s fault. They were targeted. They were abused. They were betrayed by institutions they trusted.

We see your child as a person β€” not a paycheck. We fight hard for Denver County families because we truly care. We’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. We’re fighting it in court right now. We will fight for your Denver County family too.

Call us. Before it’s too late. Before evidence disappears. Before your rights expire.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 for Denver County hazing victims.

Attorney 911 β€” Legal Emergency Lawyersβ„’
Protecting Denver County Students from Greek Life Hazing
Serving Denver County from Houston, Austin & Beaumont

Β© 2025 Attorney 911. All rights reserved.
This is attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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