π¨ Denver County Hazing Lawyer | Fraternity Abuse Attorney | $10M Lawsuit Experience
Protecting Denver County Students from Greek Life Hazing β Nationwide Representation from Houston
β οΈ 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.
π° 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.
ποΈ 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.
π 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.
π 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.
π° 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.
βοΈ 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.
π₯ 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.
π 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.
π 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.
π 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:
β
Free, confidential case evaluation
β
Immediate evidence preservation guidance
β
$0 upfront β we work on contingency
β
Bilingual services (se habla espaΓ±ol)
β
Nationwide representation from Houston
Denver County Families: The clock is ticking. Call before evidence disappears and your rights expire.
β 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.
π₯ 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.
π 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 |
π 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.
π 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
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