Colorado Hazing Lawyer: Protecting Students from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

When “Tradition” Becomes Torture: Colorado Families Deserve Justice

Denver, Colorado — Every year, Colorado parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities like CU Boulder, Colorado State, and the University of Denver will protect their students. They assume that when their child joins a fraternity or sorority, they’ll find friendship and community—not brutal hazing rituals that can lead to hospitalization or worse.

But the reality is far darker. Across Colorado, students in Greek organizations face dangerous hazing practices that cross the line from “initiation” to abuse. From forced alcohol consumption to extreme physical punishments, these so-called “traditions” have sent Colorado students to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis nationwide. Right now, we’re litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. The same fraternities operate at Colorado universities. The same dangers exist here. And Colorado families deserve the same aggressive legal representation we provide.

The Hazing Crisis in Colorado: What Parents Need to Know

Colorado Universities with Greek Life Presence

Colorado is home to several major universities with active Greek life communities where hazing incidents have occurred or could occur:

• University of Colorado Boulder – One of the largest Greek systems in Colorado, with 30+ fraternities and sororities
• Colorado State University (Fort Collins) – Strong Greek presence with multiple fraternities and sororities
• University of Denver – Private university with Greek organizations
• Colorado School of Mines (Golden) – Smaller but active Greek community
• Metropolitan State University of Denver – Emerging Greek life presence

These universities have the same oversight challenges that allowed hazing at UH. If your child attends a Colorado school with Greek life, they face the same risks.

Common Hazing Practices in Colorado

Our case against Pi Kappa Phi revealed shocking hazing activities that we know occur at Colorado fraternities and sororities too:

• Waterboarding/simulated drowning – Using hoses or other methods to create fear of drowning
• Extreme physical punishment – 500+ squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls until exhaustion
• Forced consumption – Alcohol, food (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns) until vomiting
• Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive members at all hours, late-night activities
• Physical abuse – Being struck with wooden paddles or other objects
• Psychological torture – Humiliation, degradation, threats of expulsion
• Sexual humiliation – Forced to carry sexual objects, nudity

These aren’t “pranks” or “team-building exercises.” They’re assault. They’re battery. They’re illegal.

Medical Consequences Colorado Families Should Watch For

Hazing can cause serious, sometimes permanent injuries:

• Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle breakdown from extreme exertion, which can lead to kidney failure (exactly what happened to our client)
• Acute kidney failure – Life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
• Alcohol poisoning – From forced binge drinking
• Traumatic brain injury – From beatings or falls
• Hypothermia/hyperthermia – From exposure to extreme temperatures
• PTSD, anxiety, depression – Long-term psychological trauma
• Death – Too many families have lost children to hazing

If your child comes home from a fraternity or sorority event complaining of severe muscle pain, dark urine, or extreme fatigue, seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of rhabdomyolysis—a medical emergency.

Colorado Hazing Laws: What Families Need to Know

Colorado’s Anti-Hazing Statute

Colorado has strong laws against hazing. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-124, hazing is defined as:

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.

Key provisions of Colorado law:

• Criminal penalties – Hazing is a Class 3 misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail, $750 fine)
• If serious bodily injury occurs – Becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 18 months in jail, $5,000 fine)
• If death occurs – Becomes a Class 4 felony (2-6 years in prison)
• Consent is not a defense – Even if the victim “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal
• Organizations can be held liable – Fraternities, sororities, and universities can face consequences

Civil Liability for Colorado Hazing Victims

Beyond criminal charges, Colorado families can pursue civil lawsuits for:

• Negligence – Universities and national organizations have a duty to protect students
• Premises liability – If hazing occurred in a fraternity house owned or controlled by the university
• Assault and battery – Intentional harmful contact
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress – Outrageous conduct causing severe distress
• Wrongful death – If hazing leads to a student’s death

Colorado has no cap on damages for pain and suffering in personal injury cases, meaning juries can award significant compensation for the trauma your child experienced.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Colorado Hazing?

When hazing occurs, multiple parties share responsibility:

1. Individual Perpetrators

• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager)
• Active members who participated in hazing
• Former members who hosted hazing events
• Anyone who knew about hazing and failed to stop it

In our Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing 10+ individuals personally. These aren’t just “kids making mistakes”—they’re young adults who chose to torture another student.

2. Local Chapter

• The specific fraternity or sorority chapter that conducted hazing
• Chapter leadership that allowed or encouraged hazing
• Chapter housing corporation (if applicable)

3. National Organization

• The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise its chapters
• Organizations that knew about hazing risks and did nothing
• Example: Pi Kappa Phi had a chapter where a student died from hazing in 2017. Eight years later, another student was hospitalized. They knew the risks and failed to prevent it.

4. University/College

• Institutions that failed to protect students from known hazing risks
• Universities that own or control fraternity/sorority houses where hazing occurs
• Example: University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where our client was waterboarded. They collected rent while students were being tortured.

5. Insurance Companies

• Liability insurance policies covering the fraternity, university, or individuals
• Homeowner’s insurance for off-campus hazing locations

Real Cases, Real Consequences: What Colorado Families Can Learn

The Pi Kappa Phi Case: What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Colorado

Our current case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston reveals the shocking reality of modern hazing:

• Waterboarding – Simulated drowning with a garden hose
• 500+ squats, 100+ pushups – Until the victim couldn’t stand
• Forced eating – Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
• Wooden paddles – Physical beatings
• Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive members at all hours
• Psychological torture – Threats of expulsion, carrying sexual objects

Result: Our client was hospitalized for 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

Why this matters to Colorado families:

• Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at universities near Colorado
• The same national organization that allowed this in Houston operates in Colorado
• If your child joins a fraternity or sorority in Colorado, they face the same risks

Other Recent Hazing Cases That Could Have Happened in Colorado

These aren’t isolated incidents. This is a pattern. And it’s happening at Colorado universities too.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Colorado

Immediate Steps for Colorado Families

If you suspect your child has been hazed:

1. Seek medical attention immediately

   • Hazing injuries can be life-threatening (rhabdomyolysis, alcohol poisoning)
   • Document all injuries with medical professionals

2. Preserve all evidence

   • DO NOT DELETE any text messages, social media posts, or emails about hazing
   • Take screenshots of all communications (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)
   • Photograph any injuries at all stages of healing
   • Save any physical evidence (clothing, objects used in hazing)

3. Do NOT confront the organization alone

   • They will coordinate their story and destroy evidence
   • They may intimidate witnesses
   • They may pressure your child to stay quiet

4. Contact an experienced Colorado hazing lawyer immediately

   • Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
   • We offer free, confidential consultations for Colorado families
   • No upfront costs – We work on contingency (you pay nothing unless we win)

5. Report to authorities

   • File a police report (hazing is a crime in Colorado)
   • Report to the university’s Title IX office
   • Report to the national organization

What NOT to Do After Hazing

❌ Don’t let your child sign anything from the fraternity, sorority, or university
❌ Don’t accept a settlement without consulting an attorney
❌ Don’t post about the incident on social media
❌ Don’t confront the organization without legal representation
❌ Don’t wait – Colorado has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims

How Attorney 911 Fights for Colorado Hazing Victims

Why Colorado Families Choose Us

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Colorado. Here’s why Colorado families trust us:

✅ Proven hazing litigation experience – We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability
✅ Federal court authority – We can pursue Colorado cases in federal court
✅ Dual-state bar licenses – Texas AND New York (strategic advantage for national organizations)
✅ Aggressive representation – We don’t back down from powerful institutions
✅ Contingency fee basis – $0 upfront costs; we only get paid if we win
✅ Bilingual staff – Se habla español; we serve Colorado’s diverse student population
✅ Willingness to travel – We come to Colorado for depositions, trials, and client meetings

Our Approach to Colorado Hazing Cases

1. Immediate response – We act fast to preserve evidence before it disappears
2. Comprehensive investigation – We gather all available evidence (texts, photos, witness statements)
3. Expert network – Medical experts, hazing culture experts, accident reconstructionists
4. Aggressive negotiation – We demand maximum compensation from all liable parties
5. Trial-ready preparation – We’re not afraid to take cases to court if needed
6. Ongoing support – We guide Colorado families through every step of the process

Who We Sue for Colorado Hazing Victims

We pursue every liable party to maximize compensation for Colorado families:

• The national fraternity/sorority organization (deep pockets, insurance coverage)
• The local chapter (direct responsibility)
• Individual members (personal liability)
• The university/college (failure to protect students)
• Insurance companies (liability policies covering all defendants)

Colorado Hazing Case Studies: What’s Possible for Your Family

Case Study 1: The $10 Million Fight (Our Current Case)

Victim: College student (not even enrolled at the university yet)
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
University: University of Houston
Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, forced eating until vomiting, wooden paddles
Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
Damages Sought: $10 million
Status: Lawsuit filed November 2025

Why this matters for Colorado families:

• Shows that living victims with serious injuries can pursue multi-million dollar claims
• Demonstrates that universities can be held liable when they own fraternity houses
• Proves that national organizations with chapters in Colorado face serious liability

Case Study 2: $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

Victim: Maxwell Gruver (LSU student)
Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
What Happened: Forced to participate in “Bible Study” drinking game; wrong answer = drink more
BAC: 0.495 (6x legal limit)
Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; “Max Gruver Act” passed in Louisiana

Why this matters for Colorado families:

• Juries award millions for hazing victims
• Criminal charges are possible (negligent homicide conviction)
• Cases can lead to new laws protecting students

Case Study 3: $110 Million Settlement

Victim: Timothy Piazza (Penn State student)
Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
What Happened: Forced drinking gauntlet; fell down stairs repeatedly; fraternity members waited 12 hours to call 911
Outcome: $110+ million settlement; multiple criminal convictions; “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” passed

Why this matters for Colorado families:

• Strong evidence = massive settlements (security cameras captured everything)
• Universities face significant liability for failing to protect students
• Cases can force systemic change in Greek life

Colorado Hazing FAQ: Answers for Concerned Families

Q: My child was hazed in Colorado, but they “consented” to participate. Do we still have a case?

A: YES. Colorado law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity, sorority, and university can still be held liable.

Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-124(3):

“The implied or express consent of a person to acts that constitute hazing is not a defense to a prosecution under this section.”

Q: The fraternity says this was just “tradition” and “boys being boys.” Is that a valid defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” is not a legal defense. Hazing is illegal in Colorado regardless of how long it’s been happening. When “tradition” involves waterboarding, 500 squats, and wooden paddles, it crosses the line into assault and battery.

Q: My child attends CU Boulder/CSU/University of Denver. Can you help us even though you’re based in Texas?

A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Colorado. We have:

• Federal court authority to pursue cases in Colorado
• Experience with national fraternity organizations that operate in Colorado
• Willingness to travel to Colorado for depositions, trials, and client meetings
• Video consultation capabilities for Colorado families

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Q: How much is our Colorado hazing case worth?

A: Every case is unique, but Colorado hazing cases can be worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage, wrongful death)
• Egregiousness of conduct (waterboarding, physical abuse, forced consumption)
• Number of liable parties (individuals, chapter, nationals, university)
• Pattern of abuse (was this an isolated incident or part of systemic hazing?)
• University’s knowledge (did they know about prior hazing incidents?)

Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million for injuries that included rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. Colorado families deserve the same level of compensation.

Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How can we pursue justice?

A: You don’t need money upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• $0 upfront costs – No retainer, no hourly fees
• We only get paid if we win – Our fee comes from your settlement/verdict
• No financial risk – If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

We level the playing field so Colorado families can fight powerful institutions without worrying about cost.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation for speaking out?

A: We understand the fear of retaliation. In our current case, our client is fearful of doing an interview due to retribution. We take steps to protect our clients, including:

• Confidentiality – We protect your identity during legal proceedings
• Legal protections – Retaliation is illegal and can lead to additional claims
• Evidence preservation – We document everything to build a strong case without relying solely on your child’s testimony

Your child’s safety is our priority.

Q: How long do we have to take legal action in Colorado?

A: Colorado has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit.

However, you should act immediately because:

• Evidence disappears (texts deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records)
• The longer you wait, the harder it is to build a strong case
• Your child may face pressure to stay quiet

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Q: Can we sue the university if the hazing didn’t happen on campus?

A: YES. Universities can be held liable for hazing that occurs off-campus if:

• The university knew or should have known about hazing risks
• The university failed to implement adequate policies to prevent hazing
• The hazing was conducted by a recognized student organization
• The university had a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm

In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston even though some hazing occurred at a private residence.

Q: What if the fraternity chapter has been suspended or closed?

A: That doesn’t end liability. In fact, when a fraternity closes a chapter immediately after an incident (like Pi Kappa Phi did in our case), it can be seen as an admission of guilt.

We pursue:

• The national organization (which still exists and has assets)
• Individual members (who may have personal liability)
• The university (which may have failed to protect students)
• Insurance companies (which may still provide coverage)

Closing a chapter doesn’t make the problem disappear—it just changes who we sue.

Colorado Hazing Warning Signs: What Parents Should Watch For

Hazing often goes unreported because victims are ashamed or afraid. Colorado parents should watch for these warning signs:

Behavioral Changes

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Sudden decline in academic performance
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Fear of discussing Greek life activities
• Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, limping)

Physical Symptoms

• Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
• Muscle pain (especially in legs or back)
• Dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis)
• Vomiting or nausea
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (confusion, vomiting, unconsciousness)

Academic Impact

• Missing classes
• Falling grades
• Dropping out of activities they previously enjoyed
• Withdrawing from social events

Financial Red Flags

• Sudden requests for money
• Unexplained expenses (fines, “dues,” “penalties”)
• Missing property (phones, wallets, clothing)

If you notice these signs, talk to your child immediately. Hazing can escalate quickly and lead to life-threatening injuries.

How Colorado Universities Fail to Protect Students

Universities often claim they have “zero tolerance” for hazing, but their actions tell a different story. Here’s how Colorado universities fail students:

1. Ownership Without Oversight

Many universities, including those in Colorado, own or control fraternity and sorority houses but fail to monitor what happens inside. In our current case, the University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where waterboarding occurred. They collected rent while students were being tortured.

2. Ignoring Prior Incidents

Universities often have prior knowledge of hazing but do nothing to prevent it. The University of Houston had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017 (Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity). Eight years later, another student was hospitalized at a different fraternity. They knew the risks and failed to act.

3. Lack of Real Consequences

When hazing is reported, universities often impose slap-on-the-wrist punishments like temporary suspensions. Fraternities and sororities know they can resume activities after the media attention fades.

4. Pressure to Stay Quiet

Universities may pressure victims to handle hazing “internally” to avoid bad publicity. They may discourage victims from reporting to police or pursuing legal action.

5. Inadequate Training

Many universities provide minimal or ineffective training on hazing prevention. They may rely on the national organizations to self-police, which doesn’t work.

Colorado universities have the same failures. They have the power to stop hazing—they just choose not to.

The Attorney 911 Difference: Why Colorado Families Need Us

1. We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases because we’re doing it right now.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Before representing victims, we worked for insurance companies. We know their playbook. We know how they try to minimize claims, and we know how to counter their strategies.

3. Aggressive Representation

We don’t back down from powerful institutions. We pursue every liable party—individuals, chapters, nationals, and universities. We don’t accept lowball settlement offers.

4. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, giving us the ability to pursue Colorado cases in federal court when appropriate.

5. Dual-State Bar Licenses

We’re licensed in Texas AND New York, giving us strategic advantages when dealing with national fraternity organizations.

6. Contingency Fee Representation

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• $0 upfront costs for Colorado families
• We only get paid if we win
• No financial risk to you

7. Bilingual Services

We have Spanish-speaking staff to serve Colorado’s diverse student population.

8. Willingness to Travel

We come to Colorado for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Trials
• University investigations

Distance is not a barrier to justice for Colorado families.

Colorado Hazing Resources for Families

Reporting Hazing in Colorado

1. Police (Emergency): 911
2. Non-Emergency Police: Contact your local police department
3. University Reporting:
   • University of Colorado Boulder: CU Boulder Student Conduct
   • Colorado State University: CSU Student Resolution Center
   • University of Denver: DU Student Rights & Responsibilities
4. National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
5. Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911

Colorado Anti-Hazing Organizations

• HazingPrevention.Org – National organization with resources for Colorado families
• Clery Center – Works to improve campus safety (hazing is a Clery-reportable crime)
• StopHazing.org – Research and education on hazing prevention

Colorado-Specific Resources

• Colorado Department of Higher Education – Oversees state universities
  • Website: https://highered.colorado.gov/
• Colorado Attorney General’s Office – Can investigate institutional failures
  • Website: https://coag.gov/

Colorado Hazing Lawyer: Take Action Now

If your child has been hazed in Colorado, you have legal rights. But you must act quickly.

⚠️ The clock is ticking:

• Colorado’s 2-year statute of limitations starts from the date of the hazing incident
• Evidence disappears quickly (texts deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records)
• The longer you wait, the harder it is to build a strong case

📞 Call Attorney 911 Today

1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Free, confidential consultation – We’ll evaluate your case and explain your options

No upfront costs – We work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win

Nationwide representation – We serve Colorado families from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont

Immediate response – We’ll start preserving evidence right away

🏆 What Colorado Families Can Expect:

1. Compassionate, confidential consultation – We listen to your story
2. Case evaluation – We assess the strength of your claim
3. Evidence preservation – We act fast to protect critical evidence
4. Aggressive representation – We pursue every liable party
5. Maximum compensation – We fight for the full value of your claim
6. Ongoing support – We guide you through every step of the process

The Message to Colorado Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities and sororities operating in Colorado:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are building cases against you.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts across America apply to your chapters. The same national