Hazing Victims in Pitkin County, Colorado: Your Legal Rights and How to Seek Justice
🚨 Hazing Is Happening in Pitkin County — And It’s Not “Tradition.” It’s Abuse.
Pitkin County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities like Colorado Mountain College (CMC) in Glenwood Springs and Aspen, or nearby institutions such as Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction or Western Colorado University in Gunnison, will protect their students from harm.
But the truth is, hazing is happening in Pitkin County and across Colorado — in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other student organizations. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries nationwide operate right here in Colorado.
If your child has been hazed in Pitkin County, you are not alone. And you have legal rights.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t just happening in Texas — it’s happening in Colorado too.
We serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Pitkin County. If your child has been hazed, call us immediately: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
🏫 What Is Hazing? (And Why It’s Illegal in Colorado)
Hazing is any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in a group.
Examples of Hazing in Pitkin County and Colorado:
✅ Forced alcohol consumption — Binge drinking, chugging, drinking games
✅ Physical abuse — Beatings, paddling, branding, excessive exercise
✅ Waterboarding or simulated drowning — Yes, this is happening
✅ Forced eating until vomiting — Hot dogs, milk, peppercorns, non-food items
✅ Sleep deprivation — Late-night activities, forced driving, no rest
✅ Psychological torture — Humiliation, threats, isolation, carrying sexual objects
✅ Sexual assault or harassment — Forced nudity, inappropriate touching, sexual acts
✅ Extreme weather exposure — Forced to strip in cold, stand outside for hours
✅ Servitude — Forced cleaning, driving members, running errands
This is not “tradition.” This is not “team bonding.” This is abuse. And it’s illegal.
🏛️ Colorado Hazing Laws: What Pitkin County Families Need to Know
Colorado has strong anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-124, hazing is a crime — and consent is not a defense.
Colorado Hazing Law (C.R.S. § 18-9-124)
- Hazing is a Class 3 Misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail and $750 fine)
- If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a Class 4 Felony (2-6 years in prison)
- Organizations that haze can be fined up to $10,000
- Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds the perpetrators accountable
Pitkin County families: If your child was hazed, the people who did this can be criminally prosecuted. And you can sue them civilly for damages.
💔 The Devastating Consequences of Hazing in Pitkin County
Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars — it can destroy lives.
Physical Injuries from Hazing:
- Rhabdomyolysis — Muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure (like our client in Houston)
- Alcohol poisoning — Can be fatal
- Traumatic brain injury — From beatings or falls
- Broken bones, lacerations, internal bleeding — From physical abuse
- Hypothermia or heatstroke — From extreme weather exposure
- Sexual assault injuries — Physical and psychological trauma
Psychological Trauma from Hazing:
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) — Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety
- Depression — Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness
- Anxiety and panic attacks — Fear of social situations, public spaces
- Suicidal ideation — Hazing victims are at higher risk for suicide
- Trust issues — Difficulty forming relationships after betrayal
- Academic decline — Inability to focus, dropping out of school
Financial Consequences of Hazing:
- Medical bills — Emergency room visits, hospital stays, therapy
- Lost wages — Time missed from work due to injuries
- Tuition loss — Dropping out of school, failing classes
- Future earning potential — Long-term impact on career
Pitkin County families: If your child has been hazed, they deserve compensation for their suffering. And the people who did this need to be held accountable.
🏢 Who Is Liable for Hazing in Pitkin County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Pitkin County Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, or other chapters at Colorado Mesa University, Western Colorado University, or CMC |
| National Fraternity/Sorority Organization | Failed to supervise chapter, knew about hazing culture, didn’t enforce anti-hazing policies | Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, etc. |
| University/College | Failed to protect students, knew about hazing risks, owned property where hazing occurred | Colorado Mountain College (CMC), Colorado Mesa University, Western Colorado University |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing, failed to stop it, or directed it | Fraternity presidents, pledgemasters, active members |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing events at their homes | Former members who allowed hazing to occur on their property |
| Coaches/Advisors | Failed to prevent hazing in sports teams or clubs | Athletic coaches, ROTC leaders, club advisors |
Pitkin County families: In our $10 million UH hazing case, we are suing 10 defendants — including the national fraternity, the university, and individual members. The same legal strategy applies to Pitkin County cases.
💰 How Much Is a Pitkin County Hazing Case Worth?
Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families. Here’s what recent cases have awarded:
| Case | University | Fraternity | Injury | Amount | Why It Matters for Pitkin County |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $10.1 million | Shows $10M+ is possible for serious hazing cases |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Death (alcohol poisoning) | $6.1 million verdict | Juries award millions for hazing deaths |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Death (traumatic brain injury) | $110+ million (estimated) | Strong evidence = massive settlements |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Death (alcohol poisoning) | Confidential settlement | Same fraternity as our UH case — pattern of negligence |
| Leonel Bermudez (2025) | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure | $10 million lawsuit pending | Our case — same results possible for Pitkin County victims |
Pitkin County families: If your child was hazed, they may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages (if they couldn’t work)
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Punitive damages (to punish the wrongdoers)
Call us for a free consultation: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Pitkin County
If your child has been hazed, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and legal deadlines approach.
🚨 IMMEDIATE STEPS FOR PITKIN COUNTY FAMILIES:
-
✅ Get Medical Attention
- Even if injuries seem minor, go to the hospital or urgent care
- Document everything — medical records are crucial evidence
- If your child is showing signs of rhabdomyolysis (dark urine, muscle pain), seek emergency care immediately
-
✅ Preserve All Evidence
- Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any objects used
- Save all communications — texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
- Get witness names and contact info — other pledges, bystanders
- Keep all medical records — hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records
-
✅ Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer
- They will try to minimize the incident and shift blame
- They may destroy evidence or pressure your child to stay quiet
- Anything your child says can be used against them
-
✅ Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Avoid posting about the incident — even “I’m fine” can be used against you
- Avoid party photos or Greek life content — insurance companies will use this to claim your child wasn’t really hurt
- Do not delete old posts — this can be seen as destruction of evidence
-
✅ Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately
- Colorado has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases
- Evidence disappears fast — witnesses forget, messages get deleted
- The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be
📞 Call Attorney 911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
🎯 Why Pitkin County Families Choose Attorney 911
We are not just personal injury lawyers — we are hazing litigation specialists. Here’s why Pitkin County families trust us:
1️⃣ We’re Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case
- We are actively fighting a hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
- Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure
- The same fraternities operate in Pitkin County — and we will hold them accountable
2️⃣ We Know How to Win Against Powerful Institutions
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how they think and how to beat them
- Federal court admission — we can sue national fraternities anywhere in the U.S.
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York) — strategic advantage for multi-state cases
3️⃣ We Fight for Maximum Compensation
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
- Aggressive negotiation and trial experience — we don’t back down
- Contingency fee basis — $0 upfront, we only get paid if you win
4️⃣ We Serve Pitkin County Families Nationwide
- Headquartered in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — but we serve hazing victims across the U.S.
- Video consultations available — no need to travel
- We will come to Pitkin County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
5️⃣ We Understand the Trauma of Hazing
- Our client is fearful of retribution — we protect our clients
- We’ve seen the devastation hazing causes — we treat every case with compassion
- We fight for justice, not just money — we want to stop this from happening to others
🏆 Our Track Record: Proven Results for Hazing Victims
| Case | Result | Why It Matters for Pitkin County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi (UH) Hazing | $10 million lawsuit filed | Same fraternity operates in Colorado; pattern of negligence |
| Kappa Sigma (Texas A&M) | Confidential settlement | Rhabdomyolysis case — same injury as our UH client |
| Wrongful Death (Logging Accident) | Multi-million dollar settlement | Proven ability to win high-value cases |
| DWI Victim (Hit by Drunk Driver) | $1+ million settlement | Experience with cases involving alcohol-related injuries |
| BP Texas City Explosion | Multi-billion dollar mass tort | Experience fighting massive corporate defendants |
Pitkin County families: We have the experience, resources, and determination to win your case.
📞 What Pitkin County Families Should Do Next
If your child has been hazed in Pitkin County or anywhere in Colorado, act now:
- Call us for a free, confidential consultation: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
- We’ll evaluate your case — no obligation, no pressure
- We’ll explain your legal rights — what you can sue for, who is liable
- We’ll handle everything — evidence preservation, negotiations, litigation
- You focus on healing — we’ll fight for justice
⚠️ Remember: Colorado’s statute of limitations is 2 years. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
🚫 Warning Signs of Hazing in Pitkin County
Hazing often starts with seemingly harmless activities that escalate into abuse. Pitkin County parents, watch for these red flags:
❌ Secrecy — “It’s tradition, don’t tell anyone”
❌ Sleep deprivation — Late-night activities, early-morning calls
❌ Forced alcohol consumption — “Everyone has to drink”
❌ Excessive exercise — “It’s just a workout” (but it goes way beyond normal)
❌ Humiliation — Wearing embarrassing outfits, carrying strange objects
❌ Isolation — Not allowed to talk to non-members
❌ Physical abuse — Paddling, hitting, forced activities
❌ Forced servitude — Cleaning, driving members, running errands
❌ Changes in behavior — Anxiety, depression, withdrawal
❌ Injuries — Bruises, cuts, limping, exhaustion
If you notice these signs, your child may be in danger. Call us immediately: 📞 1-888-ATTY-911
🏛️ Universities and Colleges in or Near Pitkin County Where Hazing Occurs
While we cannot confirm specific hazing incidents at these schools without evidence, hazing is a nationwide problem, and these institutions have active Greek life or student organizations where hazing may occur:
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence | Why It Matters for Pitkin County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mountain College (CMC) | Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Edwards | Yes (fraternities & sororities) | Closest major college to Pitkin County |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction (~1.5 hours from Pitkin County) | Yes (multiple fraternities & sororities) | Large Greek life presence |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison (~2 hours from Pitkin County) | Yes (fraternities & sororities) | Mountain campus, Greek life culture |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder (~3.5 hours from Pitkin County) | Yes (large Greek system) | Major university with documented hazing history |
| Colorado State University (CSU) | Fort Collins (~4 hours from Pitkin County) | Yes (fraternities & sororities) | Large Greek life presence |
| University of Denver | Denver (~4 hours from Pitkin County) | Yes (fraternities & sororities) | Private university with Greek life |
Pitkin County families: If your child attends any of these schools — or any school with Greek life or student organizations — they are at risk of hazing.
The same national fraternities involved in our $10 million UH case operate at these Colorado schools:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Colorado Chapters? |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017), Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) | Yes (multiple schools) |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths, chemical burns cases | Yes |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021), $10.1M settlement | Yes |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017), $110M+ settlement | Yes |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017), $6.1M verdict | Yes |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing incidents, including in Colorado | Yes |
If your child is pledging any of these fraternities (or any Greek organization) in Colorado, they face the same risks as our client in Houston.
📢 A Message to Fraternities and Sororities in Pitkin County
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma, and all other Greek organizations operating in Pitkin County and Colorado:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million settlements in Texas apply to your chapters in Colorado.
If your chapter hazes students in Pitkin County or anywhere in Colorado, we will pursue every liable entity — the national organization, the local chapter, the university, and every individual member.
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi. Your chapter could be next.
Clean up your act. Now.
📞 Pitkin County Families: Call Us Now — 1-888-ATTY-911
Hazing is abuse. It’s illegal. And it must stop.
If your child has been hazed in Pitkin County or anywhere in Colorado, you have legal rights. We will fight for you.
📞 Call us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Visit: attorney911.com
We serve Pitkin County and all of Colorado. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
$0 upfront. We only get paid if you win.
🔥 Enough Is Enough. It’s Time to End Hazing in Pitkin County.
If not us, who? If not now, when?
Call Attorney 911 today: 1-888-ATTY-911