Hazing Lawyer for Lake County, Colorado – Attorney 911

Protecting Lake County Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

If your child was hazed, abused, or injured in a Greek organization near Lake County, Colorado, we can help.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving that fraternities and universities can be held accountable for the harm they cause. The same legal strategies apply to Lake County families.

Why Lake County Families Choose Attorney 911

✅ Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experience – We are actively fighting a major hazing case right now
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid responsibility
✅ Federal Court Authority – We can pursue Lake County cases in federal court if needed
✅ Dual-State Licensed – Texas and New York bar admission for maximum leverage
✅ Bilingual Representation – Se habla español for Spanish-speaking families
✅ No Upfront Costs – We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win

Hazing Happens in Lake County, Colorado – We Know How to Fight Back

Lake County is home to Colorado Mountain College (CMC) Leadville, a growing campus with active student organizations. While Greek life may not be as prominent as at larger universities, hazing still occurs in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, ROTC, and other groups.

Common hazing activities in Lake County include:

• Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, “drink or die” rituals)
• Extreme physical punishment (push-ups, sit-ups, calisthenics until exhaustion)
• Sleep deprivation (late-night activities, forced servitude)
• Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
• Dangerous stunts (blindfolded activities, exposure to extreme weather)
• Sexual humiliation (forced nudity, inappropriate touching)

If your child was injured, hospitalized, or traumatized by hazing near Lake County, you have legal rights.

The Hazing Crisis in Colorado & Across America

Hazing is not just a “college problem”—it’s a cultural epidemic that destroys lives. In recent years, hazing has led to:

• Deaths (alcohol poisoning, physical trauma, suicide)
• Serious injuries (rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, broken bones)
• Permanent psychological damage (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• Academic and career derailment (dropped out, lost scholarships, disciplinary records)

Recent High-Profile Hazing Cases in Colorado & Nationwide

These cases prove that hazing victims can win millions in compensation. The same justice is available for Lake County families.

What Constitutes Hazing in Colorado?

Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-9-124) defines hazing as:

“Any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the health or safety of or causes a risk of bodily injury to an individual for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.”

This includes:
✔ Forced alcohol/drug consumption
✔ Extreme physical exertion (push-ups, runs, calisthenics)
✔ Sleep deprivation
✔ Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
✔ Sexual harassment/assault
✔ Dangerous stunts (blindfolded activities, exposure to elements)

Colorado law also states:

• Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to hazing, it’s still illegal
• Hazing is a crime – Can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony
• Organizations can be held liable – Fraternities, sororities, universities, and individuals can be sued

Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Lake County?

If your child was hazed, multiple parties may be liable, including:

In our current case against Pi Kappa Phi, we are suing:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house)
• Individual members
• Alumni who hosted hazing events

The same approach applies to Lake County cases.

What Damages Can Lake County Families Recover?

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

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical bills (hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medication)
• Future medical care (if injuries require long-term treatment)
• Lost wages (if victim missed work or internships)
• Academic losses (tuition refunds, scholarship reinstatement)
• Property damage (if personal items were destroyed)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

• Physical pain and suffering (from injuries, medical treatment)
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Humiliation and embarrassment (from hazing rituals)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Disfigurement or permanent disability (scars, chronic pain)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing was intentional, reckless, or involved torture, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and prevent future incidents.

Example: In the Max Gruver case, a jury awarded $6.1 million—including punitive damages—because the fraternity’s conduct was so outrageous.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Lake County

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Some hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis from extreme exercise) can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Document all injuries with photos and medical records.

2. Preserve Evidence

• Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs)
• Take screenshots of social media posts about hazing
• Document witness names (other pledges, bystanders)
• Keep physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Fraternities/sororities will destroy evidence, intimidate witnesses, and pressure victims to stay silent.
• Do NOT sign anything from the organization or university.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately

• Statute of limitations in Colorado: 2 years (but evidence disappears fast).
• We offer free, confidential consultations—call 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

Why Lake County Families Need a Specialized Hazing Lawyer

Hazing cases are complex and require:

✔ Knowledge of Greek life culture (how fraternities/sororities operate)
✔ Experience with institutional liability (holding universities accountable)
✔ Medical expertise (proving injuries like rhabdomyolysis, PTSD)
✔ Insurance negotiation skills (fraternities have powerful legal teams)
✔ Willingness to go to trial (many firms settle too early for low amounts)

At Attorney 911, we have:

• 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
• Former insurance defense background (we know how defendants fight claims)
• Federal court admission (can pursue cases nationwide)
• Proven track record (multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts)
• Compassionate representation (we treat Lake County families like family)

Our Current Hazing Case: $10 Million Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi

We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez, a student who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being hazed by Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez?

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500+ squats and 100+ push-ups (causing rhabdomyolysis)
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting
• Hospitalized for 4 days with kidney failure

Pi Kappa Phi’s response?

• Closed the chapter (but admitted “violations” on their own website)
• Said they “look forward to returning to campus” (no remorse)
• Ignored prior hazing deaths (Andrew Coffey died in 2017 at Pi Kappa Phi)

Our lawsuit demands $10 million to hold them accountable.

The same justice is available for Lake County families.

How We Help Lake County Hazing Victims

1. Free Case Evaluation

• We review your case confidentially at no cost.
• We explain your legal rights and options.

2. Evidence Preservation

• We send legal preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction.
• We subpoena text messages, social media, and internal documents.

3. Medical & Financial Support

• We connect you with medical experts to document injuries.
• We help with insurance claims and lost wage recovery.

4. Aggressive Legal Action

• We sue every liable party (fraternity, university, individuals).
• We negotiate maximum compensation for your child’s suffering.
• If necessary, we take the case to trial to win justice.

5. No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency

• You pay nothing unless we win your case.
• No hourly fees, no retainers.
• We only get paid from your settlement or verdict.

Lake County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone

Hazing victims often feel shame, fear, and isolation. Many stay silent because they:
❌ Don’t realize they were hazed (thought it was “just tradition”)
❌ Fear retaliation (being ostracized, expelled, or physically harmed)
❌ Feel loyalty to the organization (don’t want to “betray” their friends)
❌ Don’t know their legal rights (think they “consented” to hazing)

But hazing is never the victim’s fault.

• Consent is not a defense under Colorado law.
• Fraternities and universities have a duty to protect students.
• You have the right to hold them accountable.

Next Steps for Lake County Families

If your child was hazed, act now before evidence disappears:

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 hazing hotline)
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
💬 Text “HAZING” to 1-888-288-9111

We offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations
✔ Video meetings (we can connect remotely with Lake County families)
✔ Travel to Lake County (for depositions, meetings, and trials)
✔ Spanish-speaking attorneys (se habla español)

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing Lawsuits in Lake County

1. Can I sue if my child “consented” to hazing?

Yes. Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-9-124) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable.

2. How much is my hazing case worth?

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

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

Factors that increase case value:
✔ Severity of injuries (hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage)
✔ Egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced drinking, physical abuse)
✔ Pattern of hazing (prior incidents at the same chapter)
✔ University negligence (if they knew and failed to stop it)

3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Colorado’s statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years from the date of injury. However, evidence disappears quickly, so contact an attorney immediately to preserve your rights.

4. Can I sue if the hazing didn’t cause physical injuries?

Yes. Hazing can cause psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression), which is just as valid for a lawsuit as physical injuries. Mental health treatment records can support your claim.

5. Will suing affect my child’s academic or athletic career?

No. Universities and fraternities cannot retaliate against students for exercising their legal rights. We can also demand academic accommodations (extended deadlines, counseling support).

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

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• You pay nothing to hire us.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict.

7. Can I sue if the hazing happened off-campus?

Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the organization was involved, they can be held liable.

8. What if the fraternity/sorority is already suspended?

Suspension does not prevent a lawsuit. In fact, closing the chapter is often an attempt to avoid liability. We can still pursue the national organization, university, and individual members.

9. Can I sue if my child is not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to sue. We represent hazing victims from all backgrounds.

10. What if I’m afraid of retaliation?

We protect our clients’ identities and work to prevent retaliation. If retaliation occurs, we can take additional legal action against the organization.

Lake County Hazing Resources

Emergency & Support Services

• Colorado Mountain College (CMC) Leadville – Student Services
• Colorado Crisis Services – 1-844-493-8255 (24/7 mental health support)
• National Hazing Hotline – 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
• RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline) – 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)

Reporting Hazing in Colorado

• Colorado Mountain College (CMC) Leadville – Student Conduct Office
• Colorado Attorney General – File a Complaint
• Local Law Enforcement – Lake County Sheriff’s Office (719-486-1249)

Legal Resources

• Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline – 1-888-ATTY-911
• Colorado Bar Association – Lawyer Referral Service

Lake County Families: The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing is not a rite of passage—it’s abuse, assault, and sometimes torture. If your child was harmed, you have the power to hold the responsible parties accountable.

At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now—and we will fight for Lake County families with the same dedication.

Take the first step today:

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email ralph@atty911.com
💬 Text “HAZING” to 1-888-288-9111

We offer:
✔ Free, confidential consultations
✔ No upfront costs (contingency fee only)
✔ Bilingual representation (se habla español)
✔ Nationwide legal support (we travel to Lake County)

Lake County Hazing Lawyer – Protecting Students, Holding Institutions Accountable

Attorney 911
📍 Serving Lake County, Colorado from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7 hazing hotline)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We don’t just talk about justice—we fight for it.