Hazing Lawyers in Summit County, CO – Protecting Students from Abuse & Holding Institutions Accountable
🚨 Hazing in Summit County: A Hidden Crisis Affecting Local Students
Summit County is known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, world-class ski resorts, and vibrant communities. Families move here for the quality of life, the excellent schools, and the promise of a safe, enriching environment for their children. But beneath the surface of this idyllic setting lies a dangerous reality: hazing is happening at universities and colleges near Summit County, and far too often, students are paying the price with their health, their futures, and in the worst cases, their lives.
At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston—a case that has exposed the brutal, systemic nature of hazing in Greek organizations. This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening right here in Colorado. The same fraternities with chapters near Summit County have the same hazing cultures. The same universities near Summit County have the same oversight failures. And the same students near Summit County are being subjected to the same abuse—waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse, psychological torture, and life-threatening injuries.
If your child has been hazed at a university near Summit County, you are not powerless. You have legal rights. You have the right to hold the individuals, the organizations, and the institutions accountable. And you have the right to demand justice—not just for your child, but for every student who might be next if we don’t stop this now.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for Summit County families.
📍 Hazing Near Summit County: Which Universities Are at Risk?
Summit County is home to many families who send their children to colleges and universities across Colorado and beyond. Some of the institutions near Summit County with active Greek life—and documented hazing risks—include:
🏫 Universities Near Summit County with Greek Life Hazing Risks
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing History | Why Summit County Families Should Be Concerned |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) | Boulder, CO (~1.5 hours from Summit County) | 40+ fraternities and sororities | Multiple hazing suspensions; alcohol-related incidents; forced consumption cases | CU Boulder is one of the largest Greek systems in Colorado, with a history of hazing violations. The same national fraternities involved in our $10M lawsuit have active chapters here. |
| Colorado State University (CSU) | Fort Collins, CO (~2.5 hours from Summit County) | 20+ fraternities and sororities | Hazing suspensions; alcohol-related hospitalizations; Title IX investigations | CSU has faced multiple hazing incidents, including forced alcohol consumption and physical abuse. The culture is similar to what we’re seeing in our current case. |
| University of Denver (DU) | Denver, CO (~1.5 hours from Summit County) | 15+ fraternities and sororities | Hazing suspensions; alcohol-related incidents; student conduct violations | DU’s Greek system has faced disciplinary action for hazing, including forced drinking and physical punishment. The same nationals operate here. |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO (~1.5 hours from Summit County) | Smaller Greek system, but active | Hazing allegations; alcohol-related incidents | Even smaller schools aren’t immune. Hazing happens in all types of Greek organizations. |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNC) | Greeley, CO (~2.5 hours from Summit County) | 10+ fraternities and sororities | Hazing suspensions; alcohol-related incidents | UNC has faced hazing violations, including forced consumption and physical punishment. |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) | Denver, CO (~1.5 hours from Summit County) | Smaller Greek presence | Hazing allegations; student conduct violations | Hazing isn’t limited to large universities. Smaller chapters can be just as dangerous. |
| Regis University | Denver, CO (~1.5 hours from Summit County) | 5+ fraternities and sororities | Hazing allegations; alcohol-related incidents | Private universities have the same risks—and often less transparency. |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO (~4.5 hours from Summit County) | 10+ fraternities and sororities | Hazing suspensions; alcohol-related incidents | Even in more remote areas, hazing occurs. Distance doesn’t protect students. |
🔍 The Same Fraternities Operating Near Summit County
The fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit—Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and others—have active chapters at universities near Summit County. These are the same organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries across the country. They have not changed their culture. They have not implemented real safeguards. And they continue to put students at risk—including students from Summit County families.
| Fraternity | Chapters Near Summit County | Notable Hazing Cases | Settlement/Verdict Amounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | CU Boulder, CSU, DU | Our current $10M case (UH 2025); Andrew Coffey (FSU 2017 – death) | $10M+ (pending) |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | CU Boulder, CSU, UNC | Stone Foltz (BGSU 2021 – death); UH 2017 (hospitalization) | $10.1M |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | CU Boulder, CSU | Multiple hazing deaths; chemical burns case (Texas A&M 2021) | $1M+ |
| Phi Delta Theta | CU Boulder, CSU | Maxwell Gruver (LSU 2017 – death) | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Beta Theta Pi | CU Boulder, DU | Timothy Piazza (Penn State 2017 – death) | $110M+ |
| Sigma Chi | CU Boulder, CSU | College of Charleston 2024 (TBI) | $10M+ |
| Kappa Sigma | CU Boulder, CSU | Chad Meredith (Miami 2001 – death) | $12.6M jury verdict |
Summit County parents: If your child is pledging—or even considering pledging—any of these organizations at a university near Summit County, they are at risk. These fraternities have a documented history of hazing, hospitalizations, and deaths. They have paid millions in settlements, and yet they continue to operate with the same dangerous cultures.
💔 What Hazing Really Looks Like: The Brutal Reality Facing Summit County Students
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It is not “tradition.” It is not “building brotherhood.” It is abuse. It is assault. It is torture. And it is happening to students from Summit County families at universities across Colorado.
📋 Types of Hazing Reported at Universities Near Summit County
| Category | Examples of Hazing | Medical Consequences | Legal Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Beatings with paddles, belts, or fists; forced exercise until collapse (500 squats, 100 pushups); branding; burning | Broken bones, internal injuries, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, traumatic brain injury | Assault, Battery, Reckless Endangerment |
| Forced Consumption | Forced drinking (alcohol poisoning); forced eating (hot dogs, milk, peppercorns until vomiting); forced drug use | Alcohol poisoning, choking, aspiration, death | Hazing, Reckless Endangerment, Manslaughter |
| Waterboarding & Simulated Drowning | Sprayed with hoses while exercising; held underwater; simulated drowning with towels or hoses | Near-drowning, aspiration, psychological trauma, PTSD | Torture, Assault, False Imprisonment |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to stay up all night; early morning workouts; late-night activities | Exhaustion, accidents, mental health decline, psychosis | Hazing, Reckless Endangerment |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation (carrying sexual objects, stripping in public); verbal abuse; threats of expulsion; isolation | Anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation | Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress |
| Sexual Abuse | Forced nudity; sexual acts; carrying sexual objects; sexual assault | Sexual trauma, PTSD, depression, trust issues | Sexual Assault, Sexual Battery |
| Extreme Exposure | Forced to stand outside in cold weather; confined in small spaces; left in extreme heat | Hypothermia, heat stroke, death | Hazing, Reckless Endangerment |
🩺 Medical Consequences of Hazing: What Summit County Families Need to Know
Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars. It can cause life-threatening injuries, permanent disabilities, and death. Some of the most common—and most dangerous—medical consequences include:
| Condition | Causes | Symptoms | Long-Term Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls) | Severe muscle pain, weakness, brown/dark urine, kidney failure | Chronic kidney disease, dialysis, kidney transplant, death |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Forced binge drinking | Confusion, vomiting, seizures, unconsciousness, slowed breathing | Brain damage, death |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Falls, beatings, being struck with objects | Headaches, dizziness, memory loss, mood changes | Permanent cognitive impairment, death |
| Hypothermia | Forced exposure to cold weather | Shivering, slurred speech, loss of coordination, unconsciousness | Organ failure, death |
| Heat Stroke | Forced exercise in extreme heat | High body temperature, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness | Organ failure, death |
| PTSD & Mental Health Trauma | Psychological abuse, humiliation, threats | Anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, suicidal ideation | Long-term therapy, medication, inability to function |
| Sexual Trauma | Sexual assault, forced nudity, sexual humiliation | Shame, guilt, trust issues, PTSD | Long-term therapy, relationship issues, suicide risk |
Summit County families: If your child has been hazed and is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Delaying treatment can make injuries worse—and it can also weaken your legal case. Medical records are critical evidence.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Summit County Hazing Victim
If your child has been hazed at a university near Summit County, you have legal rights. The law is on your side. And at Attorney 911, we know how to use it.
📜 Colorado Hazing Laws: What You 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 it comes with serious penalties.
Definition of Hazing in Colorado:
“Hazing” means 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 or affiliation with any student organization.
This includes:
- Physical brutality (beatings, forced exercise, waterboarding)
- Forced consumption (alcohol, food, drugs)
- Sleep deprivation
- Psychological abuse (humiliation, threats, isolation)
- Any activity that creates a risk of injury
Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Colorado:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Class 3 Misdemeanor | Hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury | Up to 6 months in jail; up to $750 fine |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Hazing that results in bodily injury | Up to 18 months in jail; up to $5,000 fine |
| Class 4 Felony | Hazing that results in serious bodily injury or death | 2-6 years in prison; up to $500,000 fine |
Important: Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent does not matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim “consented.”
💰 Civil Lawsuits: Holding Institutions Accountable
Criminal charges punish the individuals who commit hazing. Civil lawsuits hold the institutions accountable—the fraternities, the national organizations, and the universities that allow hazing to happen.
Who Can Be Sued in a Hazing Case?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Summit County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | The CU Boulder, CSU, or DU chapter that hazed your child |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture; failed to enforce policies | Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc. |
| University/College | Owns fraternity houses; failed to prevent hazing; failed to supervise Greek life | CU Boulder, CSU, DU, etc. |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing activities | Fraternity president, pledgemaster, risk manager |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing; failed to stop it | Every member who took part |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes | Premises liability for off-campus events |
| Housing Corporations | Own/control fraternity property | Liability for conditions on property |
Types of Damages You Can Recover
| Category | Examples | Summit County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment | If your child was hospitalized for rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning, or other injuries |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work; lost internship opportunities | If hazing caused your child to miss work or lose job opportunities |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression | For the torture, humiliation, and fear your child endured |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | If the hazing was especially brutal (waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse) |
| Wrongful Death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, future earnings | If hazing resulted in your child’s death |
Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof
Hazing cases win big when victims and families stand up. Here are some of the largest hazing settlements and verdicts in the U.S.—proving that Summit County families can recover substantial compensation.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount | Why It Matters for Summit County |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement + Judgment | $10.1M+ | Similar to our current case; shows $10M+ is achievable |
| Maxwell Gruver | LSU | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1M | Juries award millions for hazing deaths |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110M+ | Shows potential for massive institutional payouts |
| Andrew Coffey | FSU | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (est. $5M+) | Same fraternity as our current case; pattern of negligence |
| Tucker Hipps | Clemson | Sigma Phi Epsilon | Settlement | $500K+ | Shows even smaller cases can recover significant damages |
Summit County families: These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win. The same legal strategies apply to your child’s case—no matter where in Colorado the hazing occurred.
🚑 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Summit County
If you suspect—or know—that your child has been hazed at a university near Summit County, time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And the statute of limitations (typically 2 years in Colorado) starts ticking.
📋 Step-by-Step Action Plan for Summit County Families
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ensure Safety | Remove your child from the situation immediately | Hazing can escalate quickly; safety comes first |
| 2. Seek Medical Attention | Go to the ER or urgent care—even if injuries seem minor | Delaying treatment can worsen injuries and weaken your case |
| 3. Preserve Evidence | Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, any physical evidence | This is critical for your legal case |
| 4. Document Everything | Write down dates, times, locations, names of perpetrators, descriptions of what happened | Memories fade; written records are powerful evidence |
| 5. Save Communications | Save all texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, emails | These can prove hazing occurred |
| 6. Get Witness Information | Names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders, witnesses | Witness testimony strengthens your case |
| 7. Report to Authorities | File a police report; report to university Title IX office | Creates official record; may lead to criminal charges |
| 8. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity | They will try to control the narrative; do not engage | Anything you say can be used against you |
| 9. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Avoid discussing the incident online | Posts can be used against you in court |
| 10. Contact a Hazing Lawyer | Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation | We will guide you through the legal process and protect your rights |
🚨 Critical Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Hurts Your Case |
|---|---|
| Waiting to seek medical attention | Insurance companies will argue your child wasn’t really hurt |
| Deleting texts or social media posts | Destruction of evidence; can lead to spoliation sanctions |
| Talking to the fraternity or university alone | They will try to minimize your claim; statements can be used against you |
| Signing anything from the organization | May waive your legal rights without you realizing it |
| Posting about the incident online | Defense will use your posts to argue you weren’t really injured |
| Delaying legal action | Evidence disappears; statute of limitations may expire |
🎯 Why Summit County Families Choose Attorney 911
Hazing cases are not like other personal injury cases. They require specialized expertise—knowledge of Greek life culture, university oversight systems, and the unique legal strategies that win against powerful institutions. At Attorney 911, we have that expertise. And we’re currently fighting one of the most high-profile hazing cases in the country.
🏆 Our Experience: Built for Hazing Cases
| Experience | Why It Matters for Summit County Families |
|---|---|
| $10M Hazing Lawsuit (Current Case) | We are actively litigating a hazing case with identical facts to what’s happening at universities near Summit County |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies think and fight—and we know how to beat them |
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts—available for Summit County cases |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Summit County cases in federal jurisdiction if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses | Texas and New York—strategic advantage for national fraternity litigation |
| Hazing-Specific Expertise | Direct experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases, and university accountability |
| Multi-Million Dollar Case Experience | BP Texas City explosion (15 deaths, 180+ injuries)—proves we can take on massive institutional defendants |
| Proven Results | Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence—same approach applies to hazing |
💬 What Our Clients Say About Us
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“They fought with the other party insurance and got me more of the settlement that I was expecting.” — Vivian Ruiz
“Ralph didn’t have me driving out to court just to reschedule it like my last lawyer did. He saved me a lot of time, money, and very prompt on answering any and all questions I had. Case dismissed.” — Kristyn Hinchliffe
“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.” — Debra Cambric-Chisolm
“I’ve had many lawyers and Ralph is by far the best one he got my case completely dropped in less than 4 months I recommend him for anyone in a little trouble, he’ll get you out!” — MrMr Reptiles
Summit County families: We treat every client like family. Your child’s case is not just a file to us—it’s a mission.
📞 Summit County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
If your child has been hazed at a university near Summit County, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. We are here to help.
🚨 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline for Summit County Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📍 Serving Summit County Families Nationwide
While we are based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), we represent hazing victims across the country, including Summit County. We offer:
✅ Free consultations (in-person, phone, or video)
✅ Contingency fee representation ($0 upfront; we don’t get paid unless you win)
✅ Willingness to travel to Summit County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ Remote case management for Summit County families who cannot travel
🔥 The Message to Fraternities Operating Near Summit County
To the fraternities with chapters at CU Boulder, CSU, DU, and other universities near Summit County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. The same national organizations that paid millions in settlements are overseeing your activities. The same universities that failed to protect students are enabling your culture.
If you haze students from Summit County families, we will find every liable entity. We will sue the chapter. We will sue the nationals. We will sue the university. And we will sue the individuals who participated.
Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at UH? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. $10 million lawsuit pending.
That’s what happens when you haze in America. That’s what will happen to your chapter if you don’t stop now.
🏛️ The Message to Universities Near Summit County
To CU Boulder, CSU, DU, and other universities near Summit County:
You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.
You knew hazing was happening. You had prior incidents. You had the authority to stop it. And yet, you did nothing.
Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded in a building owned by the University of Houston. He was hospitalized with kidney failure. And UH is now a defendant in our $10 million lawsuit.
This is your warning. Clean up your chapters before we clean them out in court.
🎓 To Summit County Students: You Are Not Alone
If you’ve been hazed, you are not powerless. You are not to blame. And you do not have to suffer in silence.
What happened to you was not “tradition.” It was not “brotherhood.” It was abuse. And it was wrong.
You have the right to seek justice. You have the right to hold those who hurt you accountable. And you have the right to demand that this never happens to another student from Summit County.
Call us. We believe you. We will fight for you. And we will make sure your voice is heard.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com
💔 To Summit County Parents: We See You
We know what it’s like to watch your child suffer. We know the rage of seeing your child’s trust betrayed. We know the fear of wondering if they’ll ever be the same.
You sent your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the university. You trusted the fraternity. And that trust was broken.
We are here to help you pick up the pieces. We will fight for your child’s medical care. We will fight for their future. And we will fight to make sure no other Summit County family has to go through what you’re going through.
You are not alone. We are with you. And we will not stop until justice is served.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📜 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Summit County Families
❓ Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If it occurred at a fraternity house, a private residence, or any other location, you can still pursue legal action.
❓ What if my child “consented” to the hazing?
Consent is not a defense under Colorado law. Even if your child agreed to participate, the law says consent does not matter. Hazing is illegal regardless of whether the victim “consented.”
❓ How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically 2 years from the date of the injury. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
❓ Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
Yes. National organizations are often deeply involved in local chapter activities. They have insurance policies, assets, and oversight responsibilities that make them liable. In our current case, we are suing Pi Kappa Phi National for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about their “hazing crisis.”
❓ What if the university claims they didn’t know about the hazing?
Universities have a duty to protect students. If they own the fraternity house, they have a premises liability to ensure it’s safe. If they have prior hazing incidents (like UH did in 2017), they knew or should have known about the risks. Ignorance is not a defense.
❓ How much is our case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing cases routinely settle for millions of dollars. Factors that increase value include:
- Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
- Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, forced exercise until collapse)
- Prior incidents at the same chapter/university (pattern of negligence)
- University ownership of the fraternity house (premises liability)
- National organization involvement (deep pockets)
❓ Will my child have to testify in court?
Most cases settle before trial, so your child likely won’t have to testify. However, if the case does go to trial, we will prepare your child thoroughly and support them every step of the way.
❓ How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
At Attorney 911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- $0 upfront costs
- We don’t get paid unless you win
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery (typically 33-40%)
Summit County families: You cannot afford NOT to hire a lawyer. Insurance companies and fraternities have teams of lawyers fighting to minimize your claim. You need your own legal team to level the playing field.
❓ What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
We understand. Hazing victims often fear social ostracism, academic retaliation, or even physical harm if they speak out. We will protect your child. We can:
- File anonymously in some cases
- Request protective orders
- Advise on how to document retaliation
- Pursue additional claims for intimidation
❓ Can we sue if our child wasn’t physically injured?
Yes. Even if your child wasn’t physically hurt, they may have suffered psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression). These injuries are just as real—and just as compensable.
❓ What if the fraternity has already been suspended or shut down?
That doesn’t end your legal rights. In fact, when a fraternity is suspended or shut down before a lawsuit is filed (like Pi Kappa Phi at UH), it often means they knew they were liable. We can still pursue the national organization, the university, and the individuals involved.
📢 Final Message to Summit County: Enough Is Enough
Hazing has no place in our colleges. It has no place in our universities. And it has no place in Summit County.
To the fraternities: You cannot torture our children and call it tradition.
To the universities: You cannot collect rent on torture chambers and claim ignorance.
To the Summit County families who have lost children: We see your pain. We honor your loved one. And we will fight for justice in their name.
To the Summit County students who are suffering in silence: You are not alone. You are not to blame. And you do not have to endure this.
The time for change is now. The time for accountability is now. And the time for justice is now.
If you or your child has been hazed at a university near Summit County, call us today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for Summit County families.
