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Hazing Victims in Huerfano County Deserve Justice – We Can Help

Fraternity and Sorority Abuse Happens at Colorado Colleges Too – And It’s Time to Stop It

If you or someone you love has been the victim of hazing at a college or university near Huerfano County, you’re not alone. What happened to a student at the University of Houston – where a fraternity pledge was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure – is not an isolated incident. The same dangerous “traditions” exist right here in Colorado.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the horrific hazing that nearly killed a student. This isn’t just happening in Texas – it’s happening at colleges and universities across America, including right here in Colorado. If your child has been hazed at a Colorado school, we will fight for you with the same relentless dedication.

Why Huerfano County Families Need a Hazing Lawyer

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless initiation rituals. It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s torture. And in too many cases, it’s deadly.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in Colorado:

✔ Forced alcohol consumption – leading to alcohol poisoning, blackouts, and death
✔ Extreme physical punishment – 100+ pushups, 500+ squats, bear crawls until collapse
✔ Waterboarding and simulated drowning – the same torture tactic used on enemy combatants
✔ Sleep deprivation and exhaustion – forced to drive fraternity members at all hours, leading to accidents
✔ Psychological abuse – humiliation, threats, and coercion
✔ Sexual humiliation – forced to carry sexual objects, stripped in public, or worse

This isn’t tradition. This is abuse. And it’s happening at Colorado colleges and universities right now.

The Huerfano County Hazing Case That Proves It Can Happen Here

What Happened at the University of Houston Could Happen at a Colorado School

In November 2025, a young man named Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. What followed was weeks of systematic torture that landed him in the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring a 4-day hospital stay.

The Hazing Bermudez Endured (And What Colorado Students Face):

🔴 Waterboarding with a garden hose – sprayed in the face while doing calisthenics
🔴 Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
🔴 Struck with wooden paddles – physical beatings as “punishment”
🔴 Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting – then made to keep running
🔴 Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
🔴 A pledge lost consciousness during a workout – fraternity members had to elevate his legs until he recovered
🔴 Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply

Bermudez crawled up the stairs when he got home. The next day, he couldn’t move. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with kidney failure.

This Didn’t Happen in a Vacuum – And It’s Not Just a Texas Problem

• Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including in Colorado.
• The same fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide – Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi – have active chapters at Colorado universities.
• Universities in Colorado face the same oversight failures that allowed this to happen at UH.

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Colorado school, they face the same risks.

Colorado Hazing Laws – What You Need to Know

Colorado has strong anti-hazing laws, but many victims don’t know their rights. Here’s what Colorado families should understand:

1. Hazing Is a Crime in Colorado

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-124, hazing is a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines up to $750

If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 18 months in jail
• Fines up to $5,000

If hazing results in death, it can be charged as a felony.

2. Consent Is NOT a Defense

Many fraternities and sororities will claim the victim “consented” to hazing. Colorado law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

3. Colorado Universities Can Be Held Accountable

If a Colorado university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be sued for negligence, premises liability, and negligent supervision.

Examples of university liability in Colorado:

• Failing to investigate hazing reports
• Allowing hazing to occur on university-owned property
• Ignoring prior hazing incidents at the same chapter

4. You Have 2 Years to File a Lawsuit

Colorado’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. If your child was hazed, you must act quickly – evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Colorado?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible, including:

What Can Colorado Hazing Victims Recover?

If your child has been hazed in Colorado, you may be entitled to compensation for:

1. Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (hospitalization, ER visits, rehabilitation)
• Future medical expenses (if injuries require long-term care)
• Lost wages (time missed from work during recovery)
• Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future career)
• Educational disruption (tuition refunds, scholarship loss)

2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain from injuries (rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns, etc.)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement (scars, permanent injuries)

3. Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing was particularly outrageous (waterboarding, forced consumption to the point of injury, extreme physical abuse), Colorado courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing.

Recent hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, including:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha, Ohio)
• $6.1 million jury verdict (Max Gruver, Phi Delta Theta, Louisiana)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi, Pennsylvania)

Colorado families deserve the same level of justice.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Colorado

If your child has been the victim of hazing at a Colorado college or university, time is critical. Here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
• Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and head trauma may not show symptoms immediately.
• Medical records are crucial evidence for your case.

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing.
• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails).
• Document witness names and contact information.
• Keep all medical records and bills.
• Do NOT delete anything – even if it seems embarrassing or irrelevant.

3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity/Sorority or University Without Legal Counsel

• They will try to control the narrative, destroy evidence, and intimidate witnesses.
• Anything you say can be used against you.
• Do NOT sign anything without consulting an attorney.

4. Contact a Colorado Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• The statute of limitations is 2 years – but evidence disappears fast.
• Insurance companies and universities will try to settle for pennies.
• You need an experienced hazing attorney to fight for maximum compensation.

Why Huerfano County Families Choose Attorney 911

We are not just any personal injury law firm. We are hazing litigation specialists with a proven track record of holding fraternities, sorororities, and universities accountable.

1. We Are Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

We are actively fighting for a hazing victim in the Pi Kappa Phi case at the University of Houston. This gives us real-time experience in building hazing cases that win.

2. We Know How to Beat the “Consent” Defense

Fraternities and sororities will claim your child “consented” to hazing. We know how to dismantle this argument using Colorado law and evidence of coercion.

3. We Have Former Insurance Defense Attorneys on Our Team

Both of our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, worked for insurance companies before switching sides. We know exactly how they try to minimize claims, and we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

4. We Fight for Colorado Families – No Matter Where the Hazing Happened

While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Colorado. We offer:

• Free video consultations for Colorado families
• Willingness to travel to Colorado for depositions and trials
• Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York)

5. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront for Colorado Families

We understand that the cost of hiring a lawyer can be prohibitive, especially when dealing with the trauma of hazing. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

6. We Speak Spanish – Se Habla Español

Many hazing victims and their families are Spanish-speaking. Our team is fully bilingual, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice.

7. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of negligence, including:

• $10+ million in our current hazing case
• Millions in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
• Numerous six- and seven-figure settlements for personal injury victims

Huerfano County Hazing Victims – We Will Fight for You

If your child has been hazed at a Colorado college or university, you are not powerless. The fraternity, sorority, and university can and should be held accountable.

Call Attorney 911 Today for a Free Consultation

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

We serve hazing victims in Huerfano County and across Colorado, including:

• Colorado State University (CSU)
• University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder)
• University of Denver (DU)
• Colorado School of Mines
• University of Northern Colorado (UNC)
• Adams State University
• Fort Lewis College
• Western Colorado University
• And other Colorado colleges and universities

Hazing in Colorado – The Reality

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines – And Neither Do We

Hazing is a national epidemic, and Colorado is not immune. Consider these facts:

🔴 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and Greek organizations experience hazing.
🔴 40% of student athletes report being hazed.
🔴 Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the U.S.
🔴 95% of students who are hazed do not report it – often out of fear or loyalty.

Colorado universities with active Greek life – including CSU, CU Boulder, DU, and others – face the same risks as schools in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Fraternities and Sororities with Colorado Chapters and Hazing Histories:

These are not isolated incidents. This is a pattern – and it’s happening in Colorado.

What Colorado Parents Need to Know About Greek Life

The Truth About Fraternities and Sororities in Colorado

Many Colorado parents encourage their children to join Greek organizations, believing they provide leadership opportunities, academic support, and lifelong friendships. While some chapters live up to these ideals, others hide a dark culture of abuse.

The Myth vs. The Reality:

How to Protect Your Child from Hazing in Colorado

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

🚩 Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
• Difficulty walking or moving (sign of extreme physical exertion)
• Vomiting or signs of alcohol poisoning
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Weight loss or signs of malnutrition

🚩 Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Fear or anxiety when discussing Greek life
• Sudden decline in academic performance
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Signs of depression or anxiety

🚩 Communication Signs:

• Texts or social media posts about “pledging,” “initiation,” or “traditions”
• References to being “punished” or “disciplined”
• Mentions of forced activities (“we had to run until we puked”)
• Talk of “brothers” or “sisters” pressuring them

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Talk to your child in a non-judgmental way. Ask open-ended questions:

   • “How are things going with your fraternity/sorority?”
   • “What does the pledge process involve?”
   • “Have you ever felt pressured to do something you didn’t want to do?”

2. Educate your child about hazing. Many students don’t recognize hazing when it happens. Share real examples (like the UH case) so they understand the risks.

3. Encourage them to trust their instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. No “tradition” is worth their safety or dignity.

4. Report hazing to the university. Most Colorado universities have anonymous reporting systems for hazing.

5. Contact a Colorado hazing lawyer. If your child has been hazed, do not wait – evidence disappears quickly, and the statute of limitations is only 2 years.

Huerfano County Families – You Are Not Alone

Hazing is shameful, illegal, and completely preventable. If your child has been hazed at a Colorado college or university, you have the right to seek justice.

At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now – and we will fight just as hard for Huerfano County families. We don’t just talk about justice. We deliver it.

Call Us Today – Free Consultation for Colorado Hazing Victims

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

We serve Huerfano County and all of Colorado. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Colorado

1. Is hazing really that common in Colorado?

Yes. While not every fraternity or sorority engages in hazing, studies show that 55% of students involved in Greek life experience hazing. Many incidents go unreported due to fear, loyalty, or not recognizing the behavior as hazing.

2. My child says hazing is just “part of the process.” What should I do?

This is a red flag. No legitimate organization should require abuse as part of membership. Educate your child about the legal and physical risks of hazing, and encourage them to report it.

3. Can I sue if my child consented to hazing?

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

4. Who can be sued in a Colorado hazing case?

Multiple parties can be held liable, including:

• The local fraternity/sorority chapter
• The national organization
• The university or college
• Individual members and officers
• Alumni who hosted hazing events

5. How much is a Colorado hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but recent hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, including:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Ohio)
• $6.1 million jury verdict (Max Gruver, Louisiana)
• $110+ million (Timothy Piazza, Pennsylvania)

Factors that increase case value include:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
• Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption)
• Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
• University knowledge and failure to act

6. How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Colorado?

Colorado’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the injury. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

7. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

Many hazing victims fear retaliation from fraternity/sorority members. We take these concerns seriously and can:

• Help your child report hazing anonymously
• Protect their identity during legal proceedings
• Seek restraining orders if necessary
• Hold the organization accountable for any retaliation

8. Do I need a lawyer who is local to Colorado?

Not necessarily. While local lawyers may be familiar with Colorado courts, hazing cases often involve national organizations and complex litigation. At Attorney 911, we have:

• Federal court authority to pursue cases across state lines
• Experience litigating against national fraternities and universities
• A track record of multi-million dollar results in hazing cases
• Willingness to travel to Colorado for depositions and trials

9. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?

At Attorney 911, we take hazing cases on contingency – meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict.

10. What should I do if my child was hazed at a Colorado school?

1. Seek medical attention immediately.
2. Preserve all evidence (photos, texts, witness info).
3. Do NOT talk to the fraternity/sorority or university without legal counsel.
4. Contact a hazing lawyer as soon as possible.

Huerfano County – It’s Time to End the Culture of Hazing

Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not leadership. It’s abuse, and it has no place in Colorado colleges and universities.

If your child has been hazed, you have the power to hold the perpetrators accountable. You have the power to prevent this from happening to another family. You have the power to send a message that Colorado will not tolerate hazing.

Call Attorney 911 Today – We Fight for Colorado Families

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

Justice for Huerfano County hazing victims starts now.