24/7 LIVE STAFF — Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Colorado

Mesa County (Earth/North America/United States/Colorado/Mesa County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in Settlements Exposed | Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down by Our $10M Lawsuit | Attorney911 — Federal Court Admitted | 125+ Greek Organizations Tracked | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 20, 2026 19 min read
mesa-county-featured-image.png

Hazing Lawyer in Mesa County, Colorado – Legal Help for Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Victims

Mesa County Families: Your Child Was Hazed. Now What?

If your son or daughter was hazed at a fraternity or sorority near Mesa County, Colorado—whether at Colorado Mesa University, Western Colorado University, or another local institution—you’re not alone. The same national Greek organizations that hazed a University of Houston student to the point of kidney failure operate right here in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and across Mesa County.

Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—and we’re ready to bring the same aggressive legal strategy to Mesa County families.

🚨 This Could Happen to Your Child in Mesa County

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s abuse, torture, and sometimes deadly negligence. In our current case, a student was:
Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
Struck with wooden paddles
Forced to eat until vomiting, then made to lie in his own vomit
Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This same fraternity—Pi Kappa Phi—has chapters near Mesa County. The same “traditions” that put our client in the hospital exist at Colorado colleges and universities.

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Mesa County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held accountable, including:

  • The local fraternity/sorority chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, etc.)
  • The national Greek organization (they set the culture and failed to supervise)
  • The university or college (they often own the fraternity houses and have a duty to protect students)
  • Individual members (those who planned, participated in, or failed to stop the hazing)

In our current case, we’re suing:
Pi Kappa Phi National (for failing to stop hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis”)
The University of Houston (for owning the fraternity house where the abuse occurred)
Individual fraternity members (including the president, pledgemaster, and those who participated)

This same legal strategy applies to Mesa County hazing victims.

💰 How Much Is a Mesa County Hazing Case Worth?

Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, including compensation for:

  • Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
  • Lost wages (if the victim missed work or had to drop out of school)
  • Punitive damages (to punish the organization for gross negligence)

📊 Recent Hazing Verdicts & Settlements

Case Fraternity University Outcome
Stone Foltz (2021) Pi Kappa Alpha Bowling Green State $10.1 million settlement
Maxwell Gruver (2017) Phi Delta Theta LSU $6.1 million jury verdict
Timothy Piazza (2017) Beta Theta Pi Penn State $110+ million settlement
Leonel Bermudez (2025) Pi Kappa Phi University of Houston $10 million lawsuit pending (OUR CASE)

Mesa County families: These same results are possible for you.

⚖️ Colorado Hazing Laws: What Mesa County Victims Need to Know

1. Colorado’s Anti-Hazing Law (C.R.S. § 18-9-124)

Colorado law defines hazing as:

“Any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the health or safety of an individual for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any student organization.”

This includes:

  • Physical brutality (beatings, paddling, forced exercise)
  • Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats)
  • Any activity that creates a substantial risk of injury

Penalties for Hazing in Colorado:

  • Class 3 Misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail, $750 fine)
  • Class 1 Misdemeanor (up to 18 months in jail, $5,000 fine) if serious bodily injury occurs
  • Class 4 Felony (2-6 years in prison) if death results

🚨 Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter.

2. Civil Liability: Suing for Damages in Mesa County

Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, you can still sue for money damages in civil court. This includes compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
  • Lost wages (if the victim had to miss work or school)
  • Punitive damages (to punish the organization for reckless behavior)

Who Can Be Sued in Mesa County?

  • The fraternity/sorority chapter
  • The national Greek organization
  • The university or college (if they knew or should have known about the hazing)
  • Individual members (those who planned, participated in, or failed to stop the abuse)

🔍 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Mesa County

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
  • Hazing can cause hidden injuries like:
    • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
    • Alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
    • Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
    • PTSD, anxiety, and depression (from psychological abuse)

2. Preserve All Evidence

  • Photos/videos of injuries, hazing activities, or fraternity houses
  • Text messages, GroupMe chats, social media posts (do NOT delete anything)
  • Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
  • Witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders)
  • Fraternity documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)

3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer

  • They will try to control the narrative and minimize your claim.
  • Do NOT give a statement to the university, fraternity, or their insurance company.
  • Do NOT sign anything without legal review.

4. Contact a Hazing Lawyer Immediately

  • Colorado’s statute of limitations gives you only 2 years to file a lawsuit.
  • Evidence disappears quickly—witnesses forget, messages get deleted, fraternities destroy records.
  • The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

📞 Mesa County Hazing Victims: Call Us Now for a Free Consultation

Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now. We’re representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit—and we’re ready to bring the same aggressive legal strategy to Mesa County families.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Mesa County Hazing Case?

We’re currently litigating a $10M hazing case—we know how to win.
Former insurance defense attorneys—we know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability.
Federal court admission—we can pursue your case in federal court if needed.
Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York)—we can sue national Greek organizations headquartered anywhere.
Se habla español—we serve Spanish-speaking Mesa County families.
We travel to Mesa County—for depositions, client meetings, and trials.
Contingency fee basisyou pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win.

🚨 Free, Confidential Consultation for Mesa County Families

Call now: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims across Colorado, including:

  • Grand Junction
  • Fruita
  • Palisade
  • Clifton
  • Redlands
  • Orchard Mesa
  • And all of Mesa County

🏛️ Common Hazing Scenarios at Colorado Colleges & Universities

Hazing happens in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and other student organizations near Mesa County. Some common hazing activities include:

Type of Hazing Examples Potential Injuries
Physical Abuse Beatings, paddling, branding, forced exercise Broken bones, rhabdomyolysis, internal injuries
Forced Consumption Binge drinking, eating until vomiting, consuming non-food items Alcohol poisoning, choking, internal damage
Sleep Deprivation Late-night activities, forced wake-ups Exhaustion, accidents, mental health decline
Psychological Abuse Humiliation, threats, isolation PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide risk
Sexual Abuse Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects Sexual assault, trauma, emotional distress
Waterboarding Simulated drowning with water Panic attacks, PTSD, physical injury
Exposure to Elements Forced to stay outside in extreme heat or cold Hypothermia, heat stroke, frostbite
Servitude Forced to clean, drive members, run errands Exhaustion, missed classes, academic decline

If your child experienced any of these near Mesa County, they were hazed—and they have legal rights.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Mesa County

1. What is considered hazing in Colorado?

Hazing includes any activity that recklessly endangers the health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation into a student organization. This includes:

  • Physical abuse (beatings, forced exercise, paddling)
  • Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats)
  • Sexual abuse (forced nudity, sexual acts)
  • Any activity that creates a substantial risk of injury

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

2. Can I sue a fraternity or sorority in Mesa County?

Yes. If your child was hazed, you can sue:

  • The local chapter (e.g., the Colorado Mesa University chapter of Pi Kappa Phi)
  • The national Greek organization (they set the culture and failed to supervise)
  • The university or college (if they knew or should have known about the hazing)
  • Individual members (those who planned, participated in, or failed to stop the abuse)

3. How much is my Mesa County hazing case worth?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits often result in six- or seven-figure settlements, including compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, future treatment)
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
  • Lost wages (if the victim had to miss work or school)
  • Punitive damages (to punish the organization for reckless behavior)

Recent hazing cases have resulted in:

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

4. What if my child signed a waiver or agreed to participate?

It doesn’t matter. 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.

5. What is the statute of limitations for hazing in Colorado?

In Colorado, you have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your child died as a result of hazing, you have 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.

⚠️ Do not wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.

6. Can I sue the university if my child was hazed in Mesa County?

Yes, in many cases. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If the university:

  • Owned or controlled the fraternity house (many do)
  • Knew or should have known about the hazing
  • Failed to implement adequate oversight
  • Had prior hazing incidents and did nothing to prevent future ones

…then they can be held liable.

In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. We’re suing them for negligence and premises liability.

7. What if the fraternity is already suspended or closed?

That doesn’t stop you from suing. In fact, fraternities often close chapters to avoid liability—but they still have insurance policies and assets that can be pursued.

In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi closed the UH chapter 7 days before we filed the lawsuit—but we’re still suing the national organization and the individuals involved.

8. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand that hazing victims often fear retaliation. We take these concerns seriously. Here’s how we protect our clients:

  • Confidentiality: We keep your case private until you’re ready to go public.
  • Legal protection: Retaliation is illegal, and we can take legal action if it occurs.
  • Evidence preservation: We help you document everything safely.
  • Support: We connect you with counseling and victim advocacy resources.

9. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?

Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits typically take 1-3 years from filing to resolution. Some cases settle quickly, while others go to trial.

Factors that affect timeline:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Number of defendants
  • Willingness of defendants to settle
  • Court scheduling

We work aggressively to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation for our clients.

10. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer in Mesa County?

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

  • You pay nothing to hire us.
  • We only get paid if we win your case.
  • Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict.

This allows Mesa County families to fight back against powerful institutions without financial risk.

🏆 How We Win Hazing Cases for Mesa County Families

1. We Know the Playbook

Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena—are former insurance defense lawyers. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies try to minimize or deny claims. We use that insider knowledge to build stronger cases and negotiate better settlements.

2. We Pursue Every Defendant

Hazing cases often involve multiple liable parties, including:

  • The local chapter
  • The national Greek organization
  • The university or college
  • Individual members

We name every responsible party and pursue all available insurance policies to maximize your compensation.

3. We Build Ironclad Evidence

We work with:

  • Medical experts to document injuries
  • Hazing culture experts to explain the institutional failures
  • Economic experts to calculate lost wages and future damages
  • Investigators to gather witness statements and preserve evidence

4. We Don’t Back Down

Insurance companies and universities will try to lowball you, delay your case, or intimidate you into accepting a low settlement. We don’t let them. We’re known for:

  • Aggressive negotiation (we’ve won millions for clients)
  • Willingness to go to trial (many firms settle too quickly—we don’t)
  • Public pressure (we use media and advocacy to hold institutions accountable)

5. We Travel to Mesa County

While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Mesa County. We offer:

  • Free video consultations for Mesa County families
  • In-person meetings in Grand Junction, Fruita, or Palisade
  • Travel for depositions and trials in Mesa County

📞 Mesa County Hazing Victims: Call Now for a Free Consultation

Attorney 911 is fighting this battle right now. We’re representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit—and we’re ready to bring the same aggressive legal strategy to Mesa County families.

🚨 Free, Confidential Consultation

Call now: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims across Colorado, including:

  • Grand Junction
  • Fruita
  • Palisade
  • Clifton
  • Redlands
  • Orchard Mesa
  • And all of Mesa County

📢 A Message to Mesa County Fraternities & Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Mesa County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi—if your chapter operates near Mesa County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.

The UH chapter of Pi Kappa Phi that hospitalized our client? They’re shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated.

That’s what happens when you haze in Colorado.

Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.

🏛️ A Message to Colorado Universities & Colleges

To the administrators at Colorado Mesa University, Western Colorado University, and other Mesa County institutions:

The same institutional negligence that made the University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.

You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate Greek life. You have the duty to protect your students.

If you knew about hazing and did nothing, you will be held accountable.

Act now—or face the same liability.

🎓 To Mesa County Parents & Students

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority in Mesa County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

You trusted these organizations to keep your child safe. That trust was betrayed.

You have legal rights. You have the power to fight back. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Call us. We’re here to help.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

Serving Mesa County, Colorado, and hazing victims nationwide.

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911