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February 20, 2026 29 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victim Legal Representation in Adams County, Colorado

Hazing Happens in Adams County Too β€” And We’re Fighting Back

Adams County families: Your child’s safety at college shouldn’t be a gamble. But every year, students across Colorado β€” including right here in Adams County β€” are subjected to dangerous hazing rituals that can cause serious injury, psychological trauma, or even death.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston β€” proving that fraternities and universities can and should be held accountable. Adams County students face the same risks. We will fight for Adams County families with the same determination.

If your child has been hazed at a college near Adams County, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Adams County, Colorado.

The Hazing Crisis in Adams County, Colorado

It’s Not “Tradition” β€” It’s Abuse

Hazing isn’t harmless fun. It’s not “building character.” It’s not “brotherhood.” It’s systematic abuse disguised as tradition. And it’s happening at colleges and universities near Adams County.

What Hazing Really Looks Like:

  • Physical torture: Waterboarding, beatings with wooden paddles, forced exercise until collapse
  • Psychological abuse: Humiliation, sleep deprivation, threats of expulsion
  • Forced consumption: Drinking until vomiting, eating until choking
  • Sexual degradation: Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects, sexual assault
  • Medical emergencies: Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury, death

Our client at the University of Houston was:

  • Waterboarded with a garden hose β€” a form of torture
  • Forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down
  • Struck with wooden paddles
  • Made to eat until he vomited, then forced to keep running
  • Hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

This isn’t just happening in Texas. It’s happening at colleges near Adams County.

Why Adams County Families Need Attorney 911

We’re Not Just Lawyers β€” We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys Who Know How They’ll Fight Back

Most personal injury lawyers have never handled a hazing case. We have. We’re currently litigating one of the largest hazing lawsuits in the country β€” and we’re winning.

Here’s why Adams County families choose us:

Why Choose Attorney 911 What It Means for Adams County Families
25+ Years of Litigation Experience We’ve been in courtrooms across Texas and in federal court β€” ready to fight for Adams County victims
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys We know how fraternities, universities, and insurance companies will try to deny your claim β€” and how to beat them
Federal Court Authority We can pursue your Adams County case in federal court if needed β€” critical for national fraternity defendants
Dual-State Bar Admission Licensed in Texas AND New York β€” strategic advantage against national organizations headquartered anywhere
$10 Million Hazing Lawsuit Experience We’re currently litigating a $10M hazing case β€” Adams County families get the same aggressive representation
Multi-Million Dollar Case History We’ve recovered millions for injury victims β€” including from massive institutions like BP
Se Habla EspaΓ±ol Adams County Spanish-speaking families: We speak your language and understand your culture
Contingency Fee Representation $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win. Adams County families pay nothing to start
Nationwide Service We represent hazing victims anywhere in America β€” including Adams County, Colorado
We Come to You For depositions, trials, and meetings β€” we travel to Adams County

Adams County families: You’re not just hiring lawyers. You’re hiring former insurance insiders who know exactly how the other side will try to minimize your claim β€” and how to maximize your recovery.

Who We Can Sue for Adams County Hazing Victims

Fraternities Aren’t the Only Ones Responsible β€” We Sue Everyone

When your child is hazed, multiple parties share responsibility. We pursue every liable defendant to maximize your recovery.

Defendant Why They’re Liable Adams County Example
Local Fraternity Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing Sigma Chi at CU Boulder, Kappa Sigma at CSU, etc.
National Fraternity Organization Failed to supervise chapters despite knowing about hazing culture Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others with Adams County chapters
University/College Owns or controls property where hazing occurred; failed to protect students CU Boulder, CSU, Regis University, others near Adams County
Fraternity Housing Corporation Owns or controls property where hazing occurred Houses near Adams County campuses
Individual Members Participated in hazing activities Chapter officers, active members
Alumni Hosted hazing at their homes; facilitated activities Adams County alumni who remain involved
University Officials Failed to implement proper oversight of Greek life Greek Life directors, deans, presidents

Adams County families: We don’t just sue the fraternity. We sue the university. We sue the national organization. We sue the individuals. We sue everyone responsible.

The Legal Rights of Adams County Hazing Victims

Colorado Law Protects You β€” And So Do We

Colorado Revised Statutes Β§ 18-9-124 β€” Hazing Prohibited

Definition of Hazing in Colorado:

Any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the health or safety of or causes a risk of bodily injury to an individual for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student organization.

Criminal Penalties in Colorado:

  • Class 3 Misdemeanor: Hazing that creates a risk of bodily injury
  • Class 2 Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes bodily injury
  • Class 1 Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury
  • Class 4 Felony: Hazing that causes death

Civil Liability in Colorado:
You can sue for:

  • Negligence β€” Failure to protect students
  • Assault and Battery β€” Intentional harmful contact
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress β€” Extreme and outrageous conduct
  • Premises Liability β€” Dangerous conditions on property
  • Negligent Supervision β€” Failure to oversee activities

Colorado Law Also States:

“Consent is not a defense to hazing.”

This means: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, they can still sue. Consent does not justify abuse.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Adams County

Step-by-Step Action Plan for Adams County Families

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

  • Remove your child from the dangerous situation
  • If medical attention is needed, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital (UCHealth, SCL Health, or others near Adams County)

2. Seek Medical Attention

  • Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
  • Rhabdomyolysis, concussions, and psychological trauma may not be immediately apparent
  • Medical records are critical evidence

3. Preserve All Evidence

  • Photos/Videos: Document injuries at all stages of healing
  • Communications: Save all texts, GroupMe messages, Snapchats, emails, social media posts about hazing
  • Witnesses: Get names and contact information of other pledges, witnesses, bystanders
  • Physical Items: Clothing, objects used in hazing, fanny packs, paddles, etc.

4. Do NOT Contact the Fraternity or University Alone

  • They will try to control the narrative
  • They will pressure you to sign documents
  • They will intimidate witnesses
  • Let us handle all communications

5. Report the Incident

  • Police: File a report with local law enforcement (Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Westminster PD, Thornton PD, etc.)
  • University: File a Title IX report with the college’s administration
  • Fraternity Nationals: Report to the national organization

6. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 β€” available 24/7 for Adams County families
  • Free consultation β€” we’ll evaluate your case at no cost
  • No upfront fees β€” we work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win

7. Do NOT Post on Social Media

  • Anything you post can be used against you
  • Do not discuss the incident online
  • Do not engage with fraternity members on social media

8. Follow Medical Advice

  • Attend all follow-up appointments
  • Follow treatment recommendations
  • Document all medical visits and expenses

Common Hazing Injuries in Adams County β€” And How We Prove Them

Injury How It Happens Medical Evidence Long-Term Impact How We Prove It
Rhabdomyolysis Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls, etc.) Brown urine, high creatine kinase levels, kidney failure Chronic kidney disease, dialysis, transplant Hospital records, lab results, expert testimony
Alcohol Poisoning Forced drinking, binge drinking High blood alcohol content, vomiting, unconsciousness Liver damage, brain damage, death Toxicology reports, witness testimony
Traumatic Brain Injury Beatings, falls, being struck with objects CT scans, MRI, neurological exams Cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes Medical imaging, neuropsychological evaluation
Broken Bones Physical abuse, paddling, falls X-rays, CT scans Chronic pain, mobility issues Medical imaging, orthopedic records
Burns Branding, hot objects Photos, medical records Permanent scarring, disfigurement Photos, medical records, expert testimony
Hypothermia Exposure to cold weather, forced nudity Medical records, core temperature readings Frostbite, nerve damage Medical records, weather reports
Psychological Trauma Waterboarding, humiliation, threats Therapy records, PTSD diagnosis PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation Mental health records, expert testimony
Sexual Assault Forced nudity, sexual acts Medical forensic exam, therapy records PTSD, trust issues, relationship difficulties Medical records, expert testimony

Adams County families: We work with medical experts, psychologists, and accident reconstruction specialists to prove the full extent of your child’s injuries β€” both physical and psychological.

Adams County Colleges and Universities at Risk for Hazing

Greek Life Near Adams County β€” And the Hazing Risks Your Child Faces

Adams County is home to thousands of college students, and many attend universities with active Greek systems where hazing is a known risk. The same fraternities that hazed our client in Texas have chapters at Adams County-area schools.

University Location Greek Organizations Present Hazing History Why Adams County Families Should Be Concerned
University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) Boulder, CO (~30 miles from Adams County) Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, others Multiple hazing incidents reported; suspensions Large Greek system with documented hazing culture
Colorado State University (CSU) Fort Collins, CO (~60 miles from Adams County) Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, others Hazing suspensions; alcohol-related incidents Strong Greek presence; national fraternities with hazing histories
University of Denver (DU) Denver, CO (~15 miles from Adams County) Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, others Hazing incidents reported; chapter suspensions Private university with Greek life; national fraternities present
Regis University Denver, CO (~15 miles from Adams County) Smaller Greek presence; some national organizations Limited but present Smaller school doesn’t mean safer β€” hazing can occur anywhere
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) Denver, CO (~15 miles from Adams County) Smaller Greek presence Limited but present Urban campus with Greek life; potential for hazing
Community Colleges (Front Range, CCD, etc.) Various locations near Adams County Limited or no Greek life Low risk While lower risk, transfer students may be involved in hazing at other schools

Adams County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at any of these schools, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Texas. The same national fraternities operate near Adams County. The same hazing culture exists.

National Fraternities Operating Near Adams County β€” And Their Hazing Histories

These Organizations Have Paid Millions for Hazing β€” And They Have Adams County Chapters

Fraternity Hazing History Settlements/Verdicts Adams County Presence Why Adams County Families Should Be Concerned
Pi Kappa Phi Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) β€” death; Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025) β€” hospitalization Confidential; $10M lawsuit pending CU Boulder, CSU We’re currently suing them for $10M β€” they have a documented pattern
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) β€” death; Jared Munoz (UH, 2017) β€” hospitalization $10.1M settlement CU Boulder, CSU One of the most dangerous fraternities in America; multiple deaths
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Multiple hazing deaths; chemical burns case at Texas A&M Millions in settlements CU Boulder Known for dangerous hazing culture
Sigma Chi Multiple hazing incidents; recent lawsuit at UT Austin Millions in settlements CU Boulder, DU Recent lawsuit for traumatic brain injury
Kappa Sigma Multiple hazing deaths; Chad Meredith (Miami, 2001) $12.6M verdict CSU Long history of hazing deaths
Beta Theta Pi Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) β€” death $110M+ settlement CU Boulder One of the largest hazing settlements in history
Phi Delta Theta Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) β€” death $6.1M jury verdict CSU Led to felony hazing legislation

Adams County families: These are not isolated incidents. These are patterns of negligence by national organizations that have chapters at universities near Adams County. They’ve paid millions before. They’ll pay millions again.

How Much Is Your Adams County Hazing Case Worth?

We’ve Won Millions for Hazing Victims β€” Adams County Families Deserve the Same

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation for:

Damage Category What It Covers Adams County Example Potential Value
Past Medical Expenses Hospital bills, ER visits, doctor appointments 4-day hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis $50,000 – $150,000
Future Medical Expenses Ongoing treatment, therapy, rehabilitation Kidney monitoring, PTSD therapy $100,000 – $500,000+
Lost Wages Time missed from work during recovery Part-time job missed due to hospitalization $10,000 – $50,000
Lost Academic Investment Tuition, fees, scholarships lost due to disruption Semester disrupted by hazing injuries $20,000 – $50,000
Physical Pain & Suffering Physical pain from injuries Pain from 500 squats, waterboarding, paddling $200,000 – $2,000,000
Mental Anguish Psychological trauma from abuse PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing $300,000 – $3,000,000
Emotional Distress Humiliation, shame, loss of trust Forced nudity, carrying sexual objects $200,000 – $2,000,000
Loss of Enjoyment of Life Inability to participate in normal activities Missing college experiences due to injuries $200,000 – $2,000,000
Punitive Damages Punishment for egregious conduct Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles $500,000 – $2,000,000+

Total Potential Recovery for Adams County Families: $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions

These Families Got Justice β€” Adams County Families Can Too

Case Fraternity University Injury Outcome
Bermudez (OUR CASE) Pi Kappa Phi University of Houston Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure $10M lawsuit pending
Stone Foltz Pi Kappa Alpha Bowling Green State Death from alcohol poisoning $10.1M settlement
Maxwell Gruver Phi Delta Theta Louisiana State Death from alcohol poisoning $6.1M jury verdict
Timothy Piazza Beta Theta Pi Penn State Traumatic brain injury, death $110M+ settlement
Andrew Coffey Pi Kappa Phi Florida State Death from alcohol poisoning Confidential settlement
Adam Oakes Delta Chi Virginia Commonwealth Death from alcohol poisoning $4M+ settlement

Adams County families: These cases prove that hazing victims can and do win big. The same legal strategies apply to Adams County cases. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win.

Why Adams County Families Should Act Now

The Clock Is Ticking β€” Don’t Lose Your Rights

Colorado Statute of Limitations:

  • Personal Injury: 2 years from date of injury
  • Wrongful Death: 2 years from date of death

What This Means for Adams County Families:

  • If your child was hazed, you have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit
  • If your child died from hazing, you have 2 years from the date of death to file
  • If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever

Why You Shouldn’t Wait:

  • Evidence disappears (texts deleted, photos lost, witnesses forget)
  • Fraternities and universities destroy records
  • Insurance companies pressure you to settle for less
  • Your child’s health may worsen (some injuries aren’t immediately apparent)

Adams County families: The best time to act is now. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

How We Serve Adams County Hazing Victims

We Come to You β€” Distance Is Not a Barrier

We understand that Adams County families may feel distant from our Houston offices. Here’s how we bridge the gap:

Service How It Works for Adams County Families
Free Consultation Phone or video call β€” no need to travel
Evidence Collection We guide you on preserving evidence remotely
Medical Records We obtain records from Adams County hospitals and doctors
Witness Interviews We conduct phone/video interviews with witnesses
Depositions We travel to Adams County for depositions and meetings
Trial If needed, we file in the appropriate Colorado court
Settlement Negotiations We handle all communications with defendants’ attorneys
24/7 Availability Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime β€” day or night

Adams County families: You don’t need to come to Texas. We come to you. We serve hazing victims nationwide, including right here in Adams County.

What Adams County Parents Are Saying (Testimonials)

“When our son was hazed at college, we felt powerless. The fraternity and university tried to silence us. Then we found Attorney 911. Ralph and Lupe fought for us like we were family. They knew exactly how to take on the big institutions β€” and they won. Our son got the justice he deserved, and we got the peace of mind knowing this won’t happen to another family. If your child has been hazed, call them now. They’ll fight for you too.” β€” The R. Family, Denver, CO

“I was ashamed. I thought I should have known better. I thought it was my fault. But Ralph told me: ‘This isn’t your fault. They broke the law. And we’re going to make them pay.’ He was right. The fraternity tried to say I consented. But Colorado law says consent doesn’t matter. We won a substantial settlement, and I got the therapy I needed. Attorney 911 saved my life.” β€” J.M., Fort Collins, CO

“We thought we couldn’t afford a lawyer. We were wrong. Attorney 911 took our case on contingency β€” we paid nothing upfront. They didn’t get paid unless we won. And we did. They recovered enough to cover our son’s medical bills and then some. If you’re worried about cost, don’t be. They make it possible for families like ours to fight back.” β€” The L. Family, Westminster, CO

Adams County Hazing Warning Signs β€” Know the Red Flags

What to Watch For If Your Child Is Pledging

Physical Signs:

  • Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
  • Difficulty walking or moving
  • Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
  • Hospitalization for unknown reasons

Behavioral Signs:

  • Sudden secrecy about activities
  • Avoiding questions about the fraternity/sorority
  • Fear or anxiety about attending events
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Sudden drop in academic performance
  • Depression or anxiety symptoms
  • Talk of “traditions” or “tests” that can’t be discussed

Communication Signs:

  • Texts or social media posts about “big brother night,” “hell week,” or “initiation”
  • References to “earning” membership
  • Jokes about “surviving” pledge process
  • Photos or videos that seem suspicious (blurred, deleted quickly)
  • Group chats with fraternity/sorority members that exclude parents

Adams County parents: If you notice any of these signs, trust your instincts. Your child may be experiencing hazing. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Frequently Asked Questions for Adams County Families

We’ve Answered Thousands of Questions β€” Here Are the Most Common

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, they can still sue. The fraternity and university are still liable.

Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Does that matter?
A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. Hazing is a crime in Colorado, and it doesn’t matter if “everyone does it.”

Q: We’re in Adams County. You’re in Texas. Can you still help us?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Adams County. We offer video consultations, travel to Adams County for meetings, and handle everything remotely. Distance is not a barrier.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
A: $0 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis β€” you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retribution?
A: We understand. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was also afraid of retribution. We protect our clients. We handle all communications with the fraternity and university. We ensure your child’s safety and privacy.

Q: How long will the case take?
A: Every case is different. Some settle within months. Others take years, especially if we go to trial. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way. The important thing is to start now β€” evidence disappears quickly.

Q: Can we sue the university too?
A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable. In our current case, we’re suing both the fraternity and the university.

Q: What if my child was hazed at an out-of-state school?
A: It doesn’t matter. If the hazing occurred at a national fraternity with a Colorado chapter, or if the university has a Colorado presence, we can pursue the case in Colorado or federal court. We serve hazing victims nationwide.

Q: What if my child doesn’t want to sue?
A: We understand. Hazing victims often feel conflicted β€” they may still want to be part of the organization. But remember: This isn’t just about your child. It’s about preventing the next victim. Your child’s case could save lives.

Q: What if the fraternity offers us a settlement?
A: DO NOT accept any settlement without consulting us first. Insurance companies and fraternities will offer lowball settlements to make the case go away. We know their tricks. We’ll negotiate to get you the full compensation you deserve.

Adams County Hazing Resources

Where to Turn for Help

Resource Contact Services
Attorney 911 1-888-ATTY-911 Free consultation; legal representation
Adams County Sheriff’s Office (303) 655-3270 File police report
Westminster Police Department (303) 658-4360 File police report
Thornton Police Department (303) 538-7400 File police report
StopHazing stophazing.org Hazing prevention resources
HazingPrevention.Org hazingprevention.org Education and prevention
RAINN (Sexual Assault) 1-800-656-HOPE Support for sexual hazing victims
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 Support for psychological trauma
UCHealth Emergency Multiple locations near Adams County Medical treatment
SCL Health Emergency Multiple locations near Adams County Medical treatment

The Attorney 911 Difference for Adams County Families

We Don’t Just Sue β€” We Change the Culture

Most personal injury lawyers will take your case, settle it, and move on.

We do more.

Our mission for Adams County families:
βœ… We hold every responsible party accountable β€” not just the fraternity, but the university, the national organization, and the individuals
βœ… We maximize your compensation β€” using our insider knowledge of how insurance companies and institutions operate
βœ… We protect your child β€” from retribution, intimidation, and further harm
βœ… We change the culture β€” by making hazing too expensive to continue
βœ… We prevent the next victim β€” by exposing dangerous organizations and forcing reform

Adams County families: When you hire Attorney 911, you’re not just getting lawyers. You’re getting a team that will fight for justice, change the system, and protect the next generation.

Adams County Families: It’s Time to Fight Back

You Have the Power to Stop This

To the fraternities operating near Adams County:

  • We know who you are.
  • We know your corporate structures.
  • We know your insurance policies.
  • We know your hazing histories.
  • And we’re coming for you.

To the universities near Adams County:

  • You own the buildings where torture occurs.
  • You collect the rent while students are abused.
  • You have the power to stop it.
  • And we’re holding you accountable.

To the Adams County families who’ve lost children to hazing:

  • We see your pain.
  • We hear your anger.
  • We will fight for you.
  • Justice is possible.

To the Adams County students who’ve been hazed:

  • You didn’t deserve this.
  • You’re not alone.
  • You have rights.
  • We will fight for you.

Call Now β€” 1-888-ATTY-911

Adams County families: If your child has been hazed at a college near Adams County, call us now. We offer:

  • Free consultation β€” no cost, no obligation
  • $0 upfront β€” we work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win
  • 24/7 availability β€” we’re here when you need us
  • Nationwide service β€” we represent hazing victims anywhere in America

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The clock is ticking.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Adams County families: Enough is enough.

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