🚨 Hazing Lawyers Serving Eagle County, Colorado – Attorney 911
Eagle County Families: When “Tradition” Becomes Torture, We Fight Back
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization in Eagle County, Colorado, we can help.
We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston – the same fraternity with chapters across America, including near Eagle County. The same abuse that hospitalized our client happens at Colorado institutions. We will fight for Eagle County victims with the same aggression.
📞 Call Now for Eagle County Hazing Victims: 1-888-ATTY-911
Free, confidential consultation. No upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless you do.
🏔️ Hazing in Eagle County, Colorado: The Hidden Crisis
Eagle County is home to world-class ski resorts, stunning mountain landscapes, and a vibrant community that values family, education, and opportunity. Families in Eagle County, Edwards, Vail, Avon, and Gypsum send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to learn, and to grow. But behind the idyllic mountain scenery, a dangerous culture of hazing thrives at Colorado universities – and Eagle County students are at risk.
The Reality of Hazing in Colorado and Near Eagle County
Hazing isn’t just a problem in Texas or the South – it’s happening right here in Colorado, at universities near Eagle County. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters at Colorado institutions. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston exist at universities where Eagle County students attend.
Universities Near Eagle County with Greek Life Presence:
While Eagle County itself is not home to a major university, many students from Eagle County attend colleges and universities across Colorado where Greek life is active. These institutions are within driving distance or a short flight from Eagle County, and they all have active Greek organizations with documented hazing risks:
| University | Location | Greek Life Presence | Hazing Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) | Boulder, CO (~2.5 hours from Eagle County) | 40+ fraternities & sororities | High – multiple hazing incidents reported |
| Colorado State University (CSU) | Fort Collins, CO (~3 hours from Eagle County) | 30+ fraternities & sororities | High – hazing violations and suspensions |
| University of Denver (DU) | Denver, CO (~2 hours from Eagle County) | 15+ fraternities & sororities | Moderate – hazing incidents documented |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO (~2.5 hours from Eagle County) | 10+ fraternities & sororities | Moderate – engineering culture may normalize hazing |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNC) | Greeley, CO (~3.5 hours from Eagle County) | 15+ fraternities & sororities | Moderate – hazing incidents reported |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO (~2 hours from Eagle County) | Growing Greek life | Emerging risk – newer chapters may lack oversight |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO (~4 hours from Eagle County) | Smaller Greek presence | Lower but not zero risk |
Eagle County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these universities, they face the same hazing risks that hospitalized our client in Houston. The same fraternities with hazing histories operate at Colorado schools.
🔥 The Same Fraternities That Hazed Our Client Operate Near Eagle County
Our current $10 million hazing lawsuit involves Pi Kappa Phi, a national fraternity with 150+ chapters across America – including chapters at universities near Eagle County. Pi Kappa Phi is not alone. Other national fraternities and sororities with documented hazing histories also operate in Colorado:
| Fraternity/Sorority | Notable Hazing Incidents | Colorado Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Our current $10M lawsuit – waterboarding, 500 squats, kidney failure; Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017) | CU Boulder, CSU |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017) – $6.1M verdict; multiple hazing deaths | CU Boulder, CSU, DU |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021) – $10.1M settlement; multiple hazing deaths | CU Boulder, CSU |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza death (Penn State, 2017) – $110M+ settlement; multiple hazing deaths | CU Boulder, CSU |
| Phi Delta Theta | Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017) – $6.1M verdict; multiple hazing deaths | CU Boulder, CSU |
| Sigma Chi | Recent lawsuit at UT Austin (2025) – death by suicide after hazing | CU Boulder, CSU |
| Kappa Sigma | Multiple hazing deaths and lawsuits | CU Boulder, CSU |
| Sigma Nu | Multiple hazing incidents and suspensions | CU Boulder, CSU, DU |
| Delta Chi | Adam Oakes death (VCU, 2021) – hazing lawsuit | CU Boulder, CSU |
| Sigma Phi Epsilon | Tucker Hipps death (Clemson, 2014) – $500K+ settlement | CU Boulder, CSU |
Eagle County parents: These are the same organizations your children may be joining. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Colorado chapters.
🚑 What Happened to Our Client Could Happen to an Eagle County Student
The $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit We’re Fighting Right Now
Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Victim: Leonel Bermudez – a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at UH yet)
Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston
Date of Incident: Fall 2025
Injuries: Severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
📅 The Hazing Timeline – What They Did to Him
| Date | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Sept 16, 2025 | Bermudez accepts bid to join Pi Kappa Phi as “ghost rush” (not a UH student yet) |
| Sept 16 – Nov 3 | 7 weeks of systematic hazing – forced to carry sexual objects, sleep deprivation, early morning driving |
| Oct 13, 2025 | Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour |
| Oct 15, 2025 | A pledge loses consciousness and collapses during forced workout – fraternity continues hazing |
| Multiple occasions | Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning) |
| Multiple occasions | Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting – then forced to continue running |
| Multiple occasions | Struck with wooden paddles |
| Multiple occasions | Forced to do 500 squats, 100+ pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls |
| Nov 3, 2025 | Punished for missing an event – forced to do extreme workout until he could not stand without help |
| Nov 4, 2025 | “Really sore and couldn’t really move” |
| Nov 5, 2025 | “The next day was worse” |
| Nov 6, 2025 | Mother rushes him to hospital – passing brown urine (sign of muscle breakdown) |
| Nov 6-10, 2025 | Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure |
| Nov 14, 2025 | Pi Kappa Phi closes the chapter (7 days before lawsuit) |
| Nov 21, 2025 | $10 MILLION LAWSUIT FILED by Attorney 911 |
💀 This Could Happen to an Eagle County Student
The same fraternities that did this to Leonel Bermudez have chapters at Colorado universities near Eagle County. The same “traditions” exist. The same lack of oversight allows it to continue.
Eagle County families: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority at a Colorado university, they face the same risks:
- Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
- Forced consumption (until vomiting)
- Extreme physical punishment (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
- Sleep deprivation (forced to drive members at all hours)
- Psychological torture (humiliation, threats, isolation)
This isn’t just hazing. It’s abuse. It’s assault. And it can happen to your child.
⚖️ Legal Rights of Eagle County Hazing Victims
1. Colorado Hazing Laws – Criminal and Civil Liability
Colorado has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all students, including those from Eagle County attending Colorado universities.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-124 – Hazing
Definition of Hazing:
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.
Criminal Penalties:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Class 3 Misdemeanor | Hazing that creates risk of injury | Up to 6 months jail, $750 fine |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | Hazing that causes bodily injury | Up to 12 months jail, $1,000 fine |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Hazing that causes serious bodily injury | Up to 18 months jail, $5,000 fine |
| Class 5 Felony | Hazing that causes death | 1-3 years prison, $100,000 fine |
Consent is NOT a Defense:
“It is not a defense to a prosecution for hazing that the victim consented to the conduct.”
Eagle County families: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, consent does not matter under Colorado law. The fraternity, sorority, and individuals can still be held criminally and civilly liable.
2. Civil Lawsuits – Holding Institutions Accountable
In addition to criminal charges, Eagle County hazing victims can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries. Our firm specializes in these cases.
Who Can Be Sued in a Colorado Hazing Case?
| Defendant | Basis for Liability | Eagle County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | The specific fraternity/sorority chapter at the Colorado university |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter; knew about hazing risks | Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. – they have deep pockets |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; premises liability | CU Boulder, CSU, DU, etc. – they have insurance and endowments |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | President, pledgemaster, risk manager |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | Every member who was involved |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their property | Homeowners who let hazing occur at their house |
| Insurance Companies | Coverage for institutional liability | University and fraternity insurance policies |
Eagle County families: We sue everyone responsible – not just the students, but the institutions that enabled the abuse.
3. Types of Damages Eagle County Victims Can Recover
| Damage Type | Examples for Hazing Victims | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, specialists, therapy | $50,000 – $500,000+ |
| Future Medical Care | Kidney monitoring, dialysis, transplant, ongoing therapy | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery | $10,000 – $100,000 |
| Educational Impact | Tuition for lost semester, scholarship loss | $20,000 – $100,000 |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries, torture, abuse | $100,000 – $3,000,000 |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution | $100,000 – $3,000,000 |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust | $50,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in college life, sports, activities | $50,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct (waterboarding, forced consumption) | $100,000 – $5,000,000+ |
Total Potential Recovery for Eagle County Victims: $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Millions
These Cases Prove Eagle County Families Can Win Big
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount | Why It Matters for Eagle County |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10,100,000+ | Our $10M demand is in line with this precedent – same fraternity operates at CU Boulder, CSU |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6,100,000 | Juries award millions for hazing – Phi Delta Theta has chapters at CU Boulder, CSU |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110,000,000+ | Strong evidence = massive outcome – Beta Theta Pi has chapters at CU Boulder, CSU |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential | Same fraternity as our current case – has chapters at CU Boulder, CSU |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4,000,000+ | Non-death serious injury cases win millions – Delta Chi has chapter at CU Boulder |
Eagle County families: These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win millions of dollars in compensation. The same legal strategies apply to Colorado cases.
🏔️ Why Eagle County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – The $10 Million Pi Kappa Phi Case
We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This is not theoretical – we are in the fight RIGHT NOW. Eagle County families get the same aggressive representation.
Media Coverage of Our Case:
- ABC13 Houston: “Abuse and hazing led to hospitalization of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, lawsuit alleges”
- KHOU 11: “$10 million lawsuit filed against UH, fraternity over hazing allegations”
- Houston Chronicle: “UH fraternity hazing lawsuit”
- Houston Public Media: “University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sued for $10 million over alleged hazing”
Eagle County families: We are not just hazing lawyers – we are hazing litigators. We are in court fighting this battle today.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena are both former insurance defense attorneys. We know how insurance companies think, how they value claims, and how they try to minimize payouts. We used to work for them – now we work against them for Eagle County victims.
What This Means for Eagle County Families:
- We know how to maximize your compensation
- We know how to counter their delay tactics
- We know how to negotiate from strength
- We know how to build a case they can’t ignore
3. Nationwide Representation – We Serve Eagle County, Colorado
While we are based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Eagle County, Colorado. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America.
How We Serve Eagle County Families:
- Free consultations by phone or video
- Travel to Eagle County for depositions, meetings, and trials
- Remote case management – we handle everything electronically
- Local partnerships with Colorado medical and legal professionals
Eagle County families: Distance is not a barrier. We will fight for you no matter where you are.
4. We Work on Contingency – $0 Upfront for Eagle County Families
We understand that Eagle County families may be concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer. We take hazing cases on contingency – you pay nothing upfront.
How It Works:
- $0 to hire us – no retainer, no hourly fees
- We advance all case expenses – investigation, experts, court costs
- We only get paid if you win – our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Eagle County families: You have nothing to lose by calling us. We take the risk, you get the justice.
5. We Have the Resources to Fight Powerful Institutions
Universities and national fraternities have:
- In-house legal departments
- Insurance company lawyers
- Risk management professionals
- Crisis PR teams
You need a law firm with the resources to fight back. We have:
- 25+ years of litigation experience
- Former insurance defense insight
- Federal court authority
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas & New York)
- A network of medical and hazing experts
- The financial backing to take on big institutions
6. We Treat Eagle County Families Like Family
Client Testimonials:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months, I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“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
Eagle County families: We don’t see you as a case – we see you as a person who deserves justice.
📋 What Eagle County Families Should Do If Their Child Was Hazed
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Some hazing injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records are critical evidence.
What to Look For:
- Brown or dark urine (sign of muscle breakdown)
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation
- Signs of alcohol poisoning (if forced drinking was involved)
Eagle County Resources:
- Vail Health (Vail, CO)
- Colorado Mountain Medical (Edwards, Avon, Eagle)
- St. Anthony Summit Medical Center (Frisco, CO)
- UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center (Steamboat Springs, CO)
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
Do NOT delete anything. Evidence disappears quickly in hazing cases.
What to Save:
- Text messages (GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp)
- Photos/videos of injuries or hazing activities
- Social media posts about the incident
- Fraternity/sorority documents (pledge manuals, schedules, rules)
- Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records)
- Witness contact information (other pledges, bystanders)
What NOT to Do:
- Do NOT talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel
- Do NOT sign anything from the organization
- Do NOT post about the incident on social media
- Do NOT delete any messages or posts
Step 3: Report the Incident
Report the hazing to:
- University administration (Greek Life office, Dean of Students)
- Local law enforcement (file a police report)
- Colorado Department of Higher Education (state reporting requirement)
- National fraternity/sorority headquarters
Note: Universities may try to handle this internally to avoid bad publicity. You need legal representation to ensure proper investigation.
Step 4: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
The sooner you call us, the sooner we can:
- Preserve evidence before it disappears
- Protect your child from retaliation
- Begin building your case
- Ensure compliance with Colorado’s statute of limitations (typically 2 years)
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
⏳ Time Is Critical – Colorado Statute of Limitations
Colorado law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after hazing:
| Type of Claim | Statute of Limitations | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years from date of injury | Act before it’s too late |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from date of death | Act immediately |
Eagle County families: Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Call us today to protect your child’s future.
🎯 Frequently Asked Questions for Eagle County Families
1. My child was hazed, but they don’t want to sue. Should we still call a lawyer?
Yes. Even if your child doesn’t want to sue, you should still consult with an attorney. Hazing is often criminal, and universities may try to cover it up. We can:
- Advise you on reporting requirements
- Protect your child from retaliation
- Preserve evidence in case they change their mind
- Ensure the university takes appropriate action
2. The fraternity says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?
No. Colorado law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and individuals can still be held liable.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-124(5):
“It is not a defense to a prosecution for hazing that the victim consented to the conduct.”
3. Can we sue the university even if they didn’t know about the hazing?
Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. Given the well-documented history of hazing in Greek life, universities should know it’s happening. If they failed to implement proper oversight, they can be held liable.
Additionally:
- If the university owns the fraternity house, they have premises liability
- If they had prior hazing incidents, they had actual notice
- If they failed to enforce their own policies, they breached their duty
4. My child was hazed at a Colorado university, but we live in Eagle County. Can you help?
Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Eagle County families. We offer:
- Free consultations by phone or video
- Remote case management
- Travel to Colorado for depositions and meetings
- Local partnerships with Colorado medical and legal professionals
Eagle County families: Distance is not a barrier. We will fight for you.
5. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
Nothing upfront. We take hazing cases on contingency, which means:
- $0 to hire us – no retainer, no hourly fees
- We advance all case expenses (investigation, experts, court costs)
- We only get paid if you win – our fee comes from the settlement or verdict
- If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Eagle County families: You have nothing to lose by calling us.
6. What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury? Can we still sue?
Yes. Hazing causes psychological trauma even without physical injury. You can sue for:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Humiliation
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Academic disruption
Our client was hospitalized with kidney failure, but we’ve also represented victims with psychological trauma from hazing.
7. Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?
Yes. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the hazing occurred at a private home, hotel, or other off-campus location, you can still sue:
- The fraternity/sorority
- The individuals involved
- The property owner (if they allowed hazing on their premises)
- The university (if they failed to prevent off-campus hazing)
8. What if my child was hazed but doesn’t want to press charges?
That’s okay. Civil lawsuits are separate from criminal charges. You can still sue for compensation even if no criminal charges are filed.
Additionally:
- Criminal charges may still be filed by the district attorney
- Civil lawsuits can proceed independently
- We can work with law enforcement to support criminal investigations
9. Can we sue if the hazing happened at a high school in Eagle County?
Yes. Hazing isn’t just a college problem – it happens in high schools too. We represent hazing victims of all ages, including high school students in Eagle County.
Eagle County high schools with hazing risks:
- Battle Mountain High School (Edwards)
- Eagle Valley High School (Gypsum)
- Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy (Minturn)
- Red Canyon High School (Edwards)
If your child was hazed at a high school in Eagle County, call us immediately.
10. How long does a hazing lawsuit take?
It depends on the complexity of the case. Some cases settle within 6-12 months, while others may take 2-4 years if they go to trial.
Factors that affect timeline:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of defendants
- Cooperation of the university/fraternity
- Whether the case goes to trial
Eagle County families: We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
🏔️ Eagle County Hazing Resources
Local Law Enforcement (Report Hazing Crimes):
- Eagle County Sheriff’s Office: (970) 328-8500
- Edwards Police Department: (970) 748-4040
- Vail Police Department: (970) 479-2201
- Avon Police Department: (970) 748-4040
- Gypsum Police Department: (970) 524-7510
Hospitals & Medical Care:
- Vail Health: (970) 476-2451 (Vail)
- Colorado Mountain Medical (Edwards): (970) 926-6340
- Colorado Mountain Medical (Avon): (970) 949-6000
- St. Anthony Summit Medical Center (Frisco): (970) 668-3300
- UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center (Steamboat Springs): (970) 879-1322
Mental Health Support:
- Mind Springs Health (Eagle County): (970) 306-4622
- SpeakUp ReachOut (Suicide Prevention – Vail Valley): (970) 748-4410
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Anti-Hazing Organizations:
- Hazing Prevention Network: hazingprevention.org
- StopHazing: stophazing.org
- Clery Center (Campus Safety): clerycenter.org
📢 To Eagle County Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities: We Are Watching
To the fraternities and sororities operating near Eagle County:
We are currently litigating a $10 MILLION hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi. We know your chapters exist at Colorado universities. We know the same “traditions” that hospitalized our client happen at your chapters.
If you haze students near Eagle County, we will find out. We will sue you. And we will win.
To the universities near Eagle County (CU Boulder, CSU, DU, etc.):
You own the fraternity houses. You collect the rent. You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters. If you fail to protect students from hazing, we will hold you accountable.
The message is clear:
- Waterboarding is torture – not “tradition”
- Forcing exercise until collapse is abuse – not “brotherhood”
- Hazing that sends students to the hospital will cost you millions
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are coming for every institution that allows hazing to continue.
🚨 Eagle County Families: Call Now Before It’s Too Late
If your child was hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or student organization near Eagle County, Colorado, we can help.
📞 Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Free, confidential consultation. No upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless you do.
We serve Eagle County, Edwards, Vail, Avon, Gypsum, and all of Colorado.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Your rights expire. Call us today.
🏔️ Attorney 911 – Fighting for Eagle County Hazing Victims
Legal Emergency Lawyers™ – When “Tradition” Becomes Torture, We Fight Back
