Hazing Victim Legal Representation in Weld County, Colorado
When “Tradition” Becomes Torture: Holding Weld County Fraternities Accountable
If your child was hazed at a Weld County college or university, you have legal rights — and the same powerful legal team that’s currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas wants to fight for you.
At Attorney 911, we’re not just talking about hazing — we’re actively litigating one of the most egregious hazing cases in recent memory. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are currently representing a University of Houston student who was hospitalized with kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to perform 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles during Pi Kappa Phi fraternity hazing rituals. This isn’t just hazing. This is torture. And it’s happening right here in Colorado too.
Weld County families: Greek organizations with chapters at universities near you have the same hazing cultures that hospitalized our client. If your child has been harmed by hazing, we will bring the same aggressive representation to your case.
The Hazing Crisis in Weld County: What Parents Need to Know
Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” In Weld County and across Colorado, hazing has led to:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
- Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
- Severe psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Death
The same national fraternities involved in high-profile hazing deaths nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta — have active chapters at universities near Weld County. These organizations have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries, yet the same dangerous practices continue.
Weld County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a local university, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
Our Current Hazing Case: A Warning for Weld County Families
The $10 Million Fight We’re Bringing to Weld County
In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after weeks of systematic hazing.
What happened to Leonel in Texas is happening to students at Weld County universities right now.
The Hazing Activities That Hospitalized Our Client
Leonel was subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning — the same technique considered torture when used on enemy combatants)
- Forced to perform 500+ squats and 100+ pushups until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to continue exercising while covered in vomit
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours
- Psychological torture — carried objects of sexual nature at all times, stripped to underwear in cold weather
- Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
- A pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout — members had to elevate his legs until he recovered
Weld County families: These same “traditions” exist at fraternities near you. The same national organizations operate here. The same negligence allows this abuse to continue.
Why Weld County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now
While other law firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating one of the most significant hazing lawsuits in the country. Our $10 million case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is making headlines and sending a message to fraternities nationwide: hazing will cost you.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are former insurance defense lawyers. We’ve worked for the other side. We know exactly how insurance companies and fraternity defense teams operate. We know their strategies. We know their weaknesses. And we use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for our clients.
When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just getting lawyers — you’re getting former insiders who know how to beat the system.
3. Federal Court Authority — We Can Pursue Weld County Cases Anywhere
We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and we have experience in federal appellate courts. This means we can pursue hazing cases involving national fraternities regardless of where they’re headquartered or where the hazing occurred.
Weld County families: Distance is not a barrier. We will fight for you no matter where the hazing occurred.
4. Dual-State Bar Admission — Strategic Advantage Against National Fraternities
Ralph Manginello is licensed in Texas and New York. Lupe Pena is licensed in Texas. This dual-state authority is a strategic advantage when pursuing national fraternities and sororities, many of which are headquartered in New York or have significant operations there.
5. Hazing-Specific Experience — We Know This Area of Law
Ralph Manginello has specific experience with:
- Rhabdomyolysis injury cases
- Kappa Sigma fraternity litigation
- Texas A&M University hazing cases
- Wrongful death claims from hazing
- Life-threatening hazing incident representation
6. We Will Travel to Weld County for Your Case
Our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we will travel to Weld County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. We’re committed to providing the same aggressive representation to Weld County families that we provide to our Texas clients.
7. Contingency Fee Representation — $0 Upfront for Weld County Families
We understand that the cost of legal representation can be a barrier for Weld County families. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Weld County?
When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility. In our current case, we’re pursuing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Weld County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Same liability applies to Weld County chapters |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about “hazing crisis” | Same nationals operate at Weld County universities |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Weld County fraternity houses may be owned by corporations |
| University | Failed to prevent despite knowledge; premises liability | Weld County universities have same oversight duties |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Weld County chapter presidents and officers |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Weld County members who participated |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes | Weld County alumni who facilitate hazing |
| Insurance Companies | Provide coverage for institutional liability | Same insurance structures apply in Weld County |
Weld County families: We will pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.
What Weld County Parents Need to Know About Hazing
1. Hazing Is Illegal in Colorado
Colorado has strict anti-hazing laws. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-124:
- Hazing is a Class 3 misdemeanor if it creates a substantial risk of bodily injury
- Hazing is a Class 2 misdemeanor if it causes bodily injury
- Hazing is a Class 1 misdemeanor if it causes serious bodily injury
- Consent is not a defense
Weld County parents: If your child was hazed, the law is on your side.
2. Universities Near Weld County Have a Duty to Protect Students
Weld County universities have a legal duty to:
- Provide a safe environment for students
- Monitor Greek organizations for hazing
- Investigate reports of hazing
- Take action against organizations that haze
- Educate students about hazing dangers
When universities fail to meet this duty, they can be held legally responsible for the harm that occurs.
3. National Fraternities Knew About the Risks
The national organizations that oversee Weld County chapters have known for years that hazing causes serious injuries and deaths. They’ve paid millions in settlements for hazing cases, yet the same dangerous practices continue.
They knew. They failed to act. Now they must pay.
4. Your Child May Be Afraid to Speak Up
Many hazing victims don’t report abuse because they:
- Fear retaliation from the fraternity
- Fear social ostracism
- Feel ashamed or embarrassed
- Believe hazing is “normal” or “just part of the process”
- Are loyal to the organization despite the abuse
Weld County families: Your child is not alone. We will protect them and fight for their rights.
Warning Signs of Hazing in Weld County
Weld County parents should be alert for these warning signs that your child may be experiencing hazing:
| Physical Signs | Behavioral Signs | Psychological Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns | Sudden withdrawal from family/friends | Anxiety or panic attacks |
| Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation | Changes in sleep patterns | Depression or mood swings |
| Weight loss or changes in appetite | Avoiding questions about activities | Withdrawal or isolation |
| Difficulty walking or moving | Secretive behavior | Loss of interest in activities |
| Passing dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis) | Sudden drop in grades | Nightmares or flashbacks |
| Symptoms of alcohol poisoning | Changes in social circle | Fear of certain people/places |
If you notice these signs, your child may be in danger. Contact us immediately for guidance.
What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Weld County
Immediate Steps:
- Ensure your child’s safety — Remove them from the dangerous situation
- Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor, get them checked
- Document everything — Take photos of injuries, save all communications
- Preserve evidence — Text messages, social media posts, photos, videos
- Do not confront the fraternity — Let your attorney handle all communication
- Do not sign anything — The organization may try to get you to waive your rights
- Contact Attorney 911 immediately — 1-888-ATTY-911
Long-Term Steps:
- Report to university authorities — But do so with legal counsel
- Consider filing a police report — Hazing is a crime in Colorado
- Document all expenses — Medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages
- Keep a journal — Record your child’s symptoms and recovery progress
- Follow medical advice — Attend all follow-up appointments
Weld County families: The most important step is to contact us immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and legal deadlines apply.
The Legal Process for Weld County Hazing Cases
1. Initial Consultation (Free)
- We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- Determine if you have a viable claim
- Explain your legal rights and options
2. Investigation
- Gather all evidence (medical records, communications, witness statements)
- Identify all liable parties
- Build a strong case foundation
3. Demand and Negotiation
- Send demand letters to defendants
- Negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys
- Push for fair settlement
4. Litigation (If Necessary)
- File lawsuit in appropriate court
- Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
- Prepare for trial
5. Resolution
- Settlement negotiations
- Mediation
- Trial (if necessary)
Weld County families: We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
What Weld County Families Can Recover
In hazing cases, victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, future medical care |
| Psychological Treatment | Therapy, counseling, psychiatric care for PTSD/anxiety/depression |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries or recovery |
| Educational Impact | Tuition for disrupted semesters, lost scholarships |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries, emotional trauma from abuse |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death, compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, etc. |
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million. Weld County families deserve the same aggressive pursuit of justice.
Why Weld County Families Can’t Wait
1. Evidence Disappears Quickly
- Text messages get deleted
- Social media posts get removed
- Witnesses forget details
- Organizations destroy records
2. Legal Deadlines Apply
Colorado has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.
3. Organizations Will Try to Silence You
- They may offer quick, low settlements
- They may pressure you to sign releases
- They may intimidate witnesses
- They may destroy evidence
Weld County families: The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can protect your rights and preserve evidence.
The Message We’re Sending to Weld County Fraternities
To fraternities operating at Weld County universities:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, your national insurance structure, and your documented history of hazing deaths and injuries.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta — if your chapter operates near Weld County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
We already shut down the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston. Your chapter could be next.
To Weld County university administrators:
The same institutional negligence that made 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.
Act now or face the same accountability.
Weld County Hazing Lawyer: How to Contact Us
If your child has been hazed at a Weld County college or university, contact Attorney 911 immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
We offer:
- Free initial consultations
- Contingency fee representation ($0 upfront)
- Video consultations for Weld County families
- Willingness to travel to Weld County for your case
Weld County families: Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Deadlines apply. Contact us now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Weld County
Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?
A: YES. Colorado law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable for the harm caused.
Q: The fraternity said this was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not excuse illegal activity. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. No amount of tradition justifies waterboarding, forced exercise to exhaustion, or physical beatings.
Q: We’re in Weld County and you’re in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: ABSOLUTELY. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer video consultations, and we will travel to Weld County for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a Weld County hazing lawyer?
A: $0 upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
Q: How much is our hazing case worth?
A: It depends on the severity of the injuries and the egregiousness of the conduct. In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million. Other hazing cases have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to over $100 million.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on or off campus. Universities and fraternities can still be held liable for off-campus hazing incidents.
Q: My child is afraid of retaliation. How can you protect them?
A: We understand the fear of retaliation. We will protect your child’s identity to the fullest extent possible. Many of our clients choose to proceed under pseudonyms to avoid public exposure. We also work to hold organizations accountable for any attempts at retaliation.
Q: Can we pursue both criminal and civil cases?
A: YES. Hazing is a crime in Colorado. You can pursue criminal charges through the district attorney’s office while also pursuing a civil lawsuit for compensation. The two processes are separate but can complement each other.
Q: How long will our case take?
A: It depends on the complexity of the case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Some cases settle within months. Others may take years. We work as efficiently as possible to resolve your case while ensuring you receive full and fair compensation.
Q: What if other students were hazed too?
A: This strengthens your case. Pattern evidence of hazing at the same chapter or organization can demonstrate systemic negligence and increase potential damages. We can explore options for multi-victim representation.
Weld County Universities and Greek Life: The Reality
Weld County is home to several colleges and universities where Greek life thrives, including:
- University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley
- Aims Community College (multiple campuses in Weld County)
- Nearby institutions with significant Greek life presence:
- Colorado State University (Fort Collins)
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Denver
These institutions host chapters of major national fraternities and sororities, including those with documented histories of hazing:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Incidents | Weld County/Northern Colorado Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey death (2017), Leonel Bermudez hospitalization (2025) | Multiple chapters in Colorado |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple hazing deaths nationwide | Active chapters at Colorado universities |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz death (2021) | Active chapters at Colorado universities |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death (2017) | Active chapters at Colorado universities |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver death (2017) | Active chapters at Colorado universities |
Weld County parents: If your child is pledging any of these organizations, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Texas.
The Time to Act Is Now
Weld County families: Hazing is not harmless. It’s not tradition. It’s abuse. And it has no place on our college campuses.
The legal team that’s currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit wants to bring that same fight to Weld County. We will hold fraternities, universities, and individuals accountable for the harm they’ve caused. We will send a message that hazing will cost you — in money, in reputation, and in lives changed forever.
If your child has been hazed at a Weld County college or university, contact Attorney 911 now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Weld County hazing victims: We are your first responders for legal emergencies. Call now.
