Hazing Victims Legal Support in La Plata County, Colorado
Attorney 911: Fighting for Justice Against Fraternity and Sorority Hazing
Serving La Plata County, Colorado from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
🚨 The Hazing Crisis in La Plata County
La Plata County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to provide mentorship, leadership, and community. But for too many students at Fort Lewis College and other institutions near La Plata County, Greek life has become a nightmare of abuse disguised as “tradition.”
Hazing isn’t harmless. It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building character.”
In La Plata County and across Colorado, hazing has caused:
- Hospitalizations from forced alcohol consumption
- Rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical punishment
- Traumatic brain injuries from beatings or falls
- Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Deaths that devastate families forever
The same fraternities and sororities operating at Fort Lewis College and other La Plata County area schools have paid MILLIONS in settlements nationwide for hazing deaths and injuries. Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others have chapters near La Plata County with documented histories of abuse.
This can happen to your child. This can happen in La Plata County.
⚠️ The Landmark Case That Shows What’s Happening Nationwide — And What Could Happen Here
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — $10 Million Lawsuit (2025)
This case happened at University of Houston. But the same hazing happens at Fort Lewis College and other La Plata County area schools.
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Over seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse that hospitalized him with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring four days of inpatient care.
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Him:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to continue 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 — they kept going
- Forced to drive members during early morning hours, causing exhaustion
- Threatened with physical punishment and expulsion if he didn’t comply
The Result:
- 3 nights, 4 days hospitalized with kidney failure
- Pi Kappa Phi immediately closed the chapter — but only after the lawsuit was filed
- $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney 911
Why This Matters to La Plata County Families:
- Pi Kappa Phi has a chapter at Fort Lewis College — the same national organization that allowed this torture
- The same “traditions” exist at La Plata County area fraternities and sororities
- Universities near La Plata County face the same liability failures as University of Houston
- If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near La Plata County, they face the same risks
- We’re fighting this case RIGHT NOW — and we’ll fight for La Plata County victims with the same aggression
🏛️ Greek Organizations Near La Plata County with Hazing Histories
La Plata County is home to Fort Lewis College in Durango, a public liberal arts college with an active Greek life community. While Fort Lewis College has taken steps to address hazing, the same national organizations with documented hazing histories operate chapters at or near La Plata County:
| Organization | National Hazing Record | Local Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | $10M lawsuit (2025); Andrew Coffey death (2017) | Fort Lewis College chapter |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple hazing deaths; “The True Gentleman” facade hides abusive culture | Nearby Colorado universities |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz death ($10.1M settlement); multiple hazing deaths | Nearby Colorado universities |
| Sigma Chi | $10M+ hazing settlements; multiple deaths | Nearby Colorado universities |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death ($110M+ settlement); multiple deaths | Nearby Colorado universities |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver death ($6.1M verdict); multiple deaths | Nearby Colorado universities |
| Delta Chi | Adam Oakes death ($4M+ settlement) | Nearby Colorado universities |
These are not isolated incidents. This is a pattern of abuse that has happened at universities across America — including near La Plata County.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a La Plata County Hazing Victim
Colorado Hazing Laws
Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-124 — Hazing
Definition of Hazing in Colorado:
Any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the health or safety of or causes a risk of bodily injury to an individual for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student organization.
Criminal Penalties:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Class 3 Misdemeanor | Hazing that creates risk of bodily injury | Up to 6 months jail, $750 fine |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | Hazing that causes bodily injury | Up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Hazing that causes serious bodily injury | Up to 18 months jail, $5,000 fine |
| Class 4 Felony | Hazing that causes death | 2-6 years prison, $500,000 fine |
Civil Liability:
- Victims can sue for economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
- Victims can sue for non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress)
- Victims can sue for punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- Consent is NOT a defense — even if a student “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable
Who Can Be Held Liable in La Plata County Hazing Cases
| Defendant | Basis for Liability | La Plata County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Fort Lewis College chapters; other La Plata County area chapters |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; failed to enforce anti-hazing policies | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. — same nationals near La Plata County |
| University/College | Failed to protect students; premises liability | Fort Lewis College; other La Plata County area institutions |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Chapter presidents, pledge masters at La Plata County chapters |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Active members at La Plata County chapters |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing events; facilitated abuse | Former members near La Plata County |
| Housing Corporations | Owned property where hazing occurred | Fraternity/sorority houses near La Plata County |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | National organization policies; university policies |
💰 What Your La Plata County Hazing Case Could Be Worth
Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts when victims have experienced severe injuries or when institutions have failed to act despite prior knowledge of hazing. These are real cases with real outcomes:
| 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 |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (major) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ Million |
La Plata County families: These cases prove that hazing victims and their families can recover millions of dollars in compensation. The same legal strategies apply to La Plata County cases.
Damages Available in Your La Plata County Hazing Case
| Damage Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Past and future medical bills | Hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medication, rehabilitation |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to injury | Time missed from work, internships, or academic opportunities |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries | Pain from rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, internal injuries |
| Emotional Distress | Psychological trauma | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retaliation |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in life activities | Missing college experiences, social events, sports |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced consumption, beatings, cover-ups |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, lost future earnings |
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in La Plata County
If your child has been hazed at Fort Lewis College or another La Plata County area school, ACT IMMEDIATELY. Evidence disappears quickly, and legal deadlines apply.
Step-by-Step Action Plan for La Plata County Families:
-
Ensure Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately
- Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor
- Rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, and traumatic brain injuries can be life-threatening
-
Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence
- Save all communications — texts, emails, social media, GroupMe, Snapchat
- Document everything — dates, times, locations, what happened, who was involved
- Get witness information — other pledges, bystanders, friends
-
Do NOT Confront the Organization
- Do not speak to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Do not sign any documents from the organization or university
- Do not post about the incident on social media
-
Report to Authorities
- File a police report with local law enforcement
- Report to the university (Title IX office at Fort Lewis College)
- Report to national organization (if applicable)
-
Contact an Attorney
- Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
- We serve La Plata County families nationwide
- No upfront cost — we work on contingency
🛡️ Why La Plata County Families Choose Attorney 911
We’re Not Just Lawyers — We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys Who Know How to Fight Back
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are both former insurance defense attorneys. We know exactly how insurance companies and institutions will try to minimize or deny your claim. We’ve seen their playbook from the inside — and now we use that knowledge to maximize recovery for victims.
Our Unique Advantages for La Plata County Hazing Victims:
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Your Case |
|---|---|
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how they’ll fight your claim — and how to counter them |
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue your case in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York — strategic advantage against national organizations |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies for La Plata County |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking families |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront — we don’t get paid unless you get paid |
| Willingness to Travel to La Plata County | We come to you for depositions, meetings, and trials |
| Aggressive Litigation Strategy | We don’t back down from powerful institutions |
Our Hazing Litigation Experience:
- Currently litigating $10M lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Rhabdomyolysis injury cases — specific expertise in medical consequences
- Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation — experience with Greek life culture
- Texas A&M University hazing cases — university liability experience
- Wrongful death from hazing — representing families who have lost children
🎯 How We Build Your La Plata County Hazing Case
Our Proven Process for Hazing Victims:
-
Free Case Evaluation
- Immediate consultation with our attorneys
- No obligation, completely confidential
- We assess viability of your case
-
Evidence Preservation
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Demand all communications, photos, videos be saved
- Prevent destruction of evidence
-
Comprehensive Investigation
- Gather medical records, police reports, witness statements
- Obtain fraternity/sorority documents, membership lists
- Research prior hazing incidents at the chapter and university
-
Expert Consultations
- Medical experts to document injuries
- Hazing culture experts to explain institutional failures
- Economic experts to calculate damages
-
Demand and Negotiation
- Send demand package to all defendants
- Negotiate aggressively for full and fair settlement
- Prepare for litigation if needed
-
Litigation
- File lawsuit in appropriate jurisdiction
- Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
- Prepare for trial or mediation
-
Resolution
- Secure maximum compensation through settlement or verdict
- Ensure accountability for all responsible parties
- Work to prevent future hazing incidents
📞 La Plata County Families: Contact Us Now
If your child has been hazed at Fort Lewis College or another La Plata County area school, time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and legal deadlines apply.
Call Attorney 911 Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 for legal emergencies)
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve La Plata County families nationwide. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🏠 Serving La Plata County from Our Texas Offices
While we’re based in Texas, we proudly serve hazing victims and families across America, including La Plata County, Colorado. Our offices:
Houston Headquarters
1177 W Loop S Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 528-9070
Austin Office
(713) 528-9070
Beaumont Office
(713) 528-9070
We travel to La Plata County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Your location doesn’t limit our ability to fight for you.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About La Plata County Hazing Cases
1. My child was hazed at Fort Lewis College. Can you help even though you’re in Texas?
Yes, absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including La Plata County. Our federal court authority and willingness to travel mean we can pursue your case no matter where the hazing occurred.
2. The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a valid defense?
No. Under both Texas and Colorado law, consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable for any injuries or harm caused.
3. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911 for a hazing case?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so we only get paid if you get paid.
4. What if the hazing happened off-campus? Can the university still be held liable?
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm, even off-campus. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks and failed to act, they can be held liable.
5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit for hazing in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally 2 years from the date of injury. However, there may be exceptions for delayed discovery of injuries or for minors. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
6. What if my child is afraid of retaliation for speaking out?
We understand the fear of retaliation. We can:
- Protect your child’s identity during initial investigations
- File motions to prevent retaliation
- Pursue claims against individuals who retaliate
- Work to ensure your child’s academic and social standing is protected
7. Can we sue the national fraternity organization, or just the local chapter?
Yes, you can sue both. National organizations often have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. They can be held liable for failing to supervise local chapters and failing to enforce anti-hazing policies.
8. What if the hazing didn’t cause physical injuries? Can we still sue?
Yes. Psychological trauma from hazing — PTSD, anxiety, depression — is compensable. Many hazing victims experience severe emotional distress even without physical injuries.
9. How much is my La Plata County hazing case worth?
Every case is unique, but hazing cases with serious injuries or institutional failures often result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Documentation of abuse
- Prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
- University knowledge and failure to act
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption, etc.)
10. What should I do if my child is currently being hazed?
ACT IMMEDIATELY:
- Remove your child from the situation
- Seek medical attention
- Preserve all evidence
- Contact Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Report to law enforcement and the university
Do not confront the organization without legal counsel.
🔥 Message to Fraternities and Sororities Near La Plata County
To the fraternities and sororities operating near La Plata County:
We are watching. We are coming.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in La Plata County, we will pursue every liable entity.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Delta Chi — if your chapter operates near La Plata County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.
To the University of Houston, we shut down the Beta Nu chapter. To Fort Lewis College and other La Plata County area schools — your chapter could be next.
The time for “tradition” as an excuse for abuse is over. The time for accountability has arrived.
🏆 Our Commitment to La Plata County Families
At Attorney 911, we don’t see hazing victims as cases. We see them as people — as children who trusted institutions that betrayed them. We see families devastated by preventable tragedies.
Our commitment to La Plata County families:
- We will fight aggressively for maximum compensation
- We will hold every responsible party accountable — individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
- We will protect your child’s privacy and academic standing
- We will work to prevent future hazing by exposing institutional failures
- We will stand by you every step of the way
La Plata County families: You are not alone. We are Attorney 911 — and we’re here to help.
📞 Contact Attorney 911 Now — 24/7 for La Plata County Hazing Emergencies
1-888-ATTY-911
attorney911.com
Serving La Plata County, Colorado and nationwide
$0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
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