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Hinsdale County Hazing Lawyer – Fraternity & Sorority Abuse Attorney
Protecting Students and Families from Greek Life Hazing in Hinsdale County and Across Colorado
🚨 Hazing Is Not Tradition – It’s Abuse. We Fight for Hinsdale County Victims.
Hinsdale County parents send their children to college expecting safety, growth, and opportunity. But for too many students in fraternities, sororities, and other organizations near Hinsdale County, the reality is far darker.
Hazing is not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building brotherhood.” It’s not “just a rite of passage.”
It’s assault. It’s battery. It’s torture. And it’s happening at colleges near Hinsdale County.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure.
This same hazing is happening at colleges near Hinsdale County. The same fraternities operate here. And we will fight for Hinsdale County families with the same aggression.
📞 Hinsdale County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com
We serve hazing victims nationwide, including Hinsdale County, and offer video consultations for families who cannot travel.
🔥 The Hazing Crisis in Hinsdale County and Beyond
What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Hinsdale County
In November 2025, our attorneys filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the University of Houston after a student, Leonel Bermudez, was subjected to weeks of systematic abuse during pledge activities.
The hazing included:
✅ Waterboarding with a garden hose – Simulated drowning, a form of torture
✅ Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups – Until he collapsed and couldn’t stand
✅ Struck with wooden paddles – Physical assault with weapons
✅ Forced to eat until vomiting – Then forced to continue exercising
✅ Sleep deprivation – Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
✅ Psychological torture – Humiliation, threats of expulsion, carrying sexual objects
Result: Bermudez was hospitalized for 4 days with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
The fraternity’s response? They closed the chapter and said they “look forward to returning to campus.”
The university’s response? They called the events “deeply disturbing” but took no meaningful action to prevent future hazing.
🚨 This Is Happening in Hinsdale County Too
The same Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity has chapters at universities near Hinsdale County. The same Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, and other national organizations operate in Colorado.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Hinsdale County, they face the same risks.
Hazing doesn’t stop at state lines.
⚖️ Legal Rights for Hinsdale County Hazing Victims
Hazing Is Illegal in Colorado
Under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-9-124), hazing is a criminal offense that can result in:
- Misdemeanor charges (up to 18 months in jail)
- Felony charges if serious bodily injury or death occurs
- Civil lawsuits for financial compensation
Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Hinsdale County?
If your child was hazed near Hinsdale County, we can pursue compensation from:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise chapter despite knowledge of hazing risks |
| University/College | Failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents; premises liability if hazing occurred on campus |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing (can be sued personally) |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes (premises liability) |
| Insurance Companies | Policies may cover damages (homeowners, liability, institutional) |
What Compensation Can Hinsdale County Families Recover?
Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to:
| Type of Compensation | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Missed work due to injuries or trauma |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries (rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, etc.) |
| Emotional Distress | PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation to punish egregious conduct (e.g., waterboarding, forced alcohol consumption) |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death, families can sue for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future earnings |
Our firm has recovered MILLIONS for hazing victims nationwide. Hinsdale County families deserve the same justice.
💰 Precedent Cases: Hazing Lawsuits Win Millions
Hazing cases do not settle for small amounts. Juries and courts award substantial compensation when institutions fail to protect students.
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | $10.1 million settlement |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Louisiana State | $6.1 million jury verdict |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | $110+ million settlement |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Confidential settlement |
| Adam Oakes (2021) | Delta Chi | Virginia Commonwealth | $4+ million settlement |
These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win big. Hinsdale County families can recover the same compensation.
🏢 Who We Are – Hinsdale County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Aggressive. Experienced. Committed to Justice for Hinsdale County Families.
We are a Texas-based personal injury and criminal defense law firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. While we are headquartered in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Hinsdale County, through:
- Federal court authority (U.S. District Court admission)
- Dual-state bar licenses (Texas AND New York)
- Video consultations for Hinsdale County families
- Willingness to travel for depositions, trials, and client meetings
Why Hinsdale County Families Choose Us
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Hinsdale County Cases |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Proven track record in high-stakes cases |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | Know how insurance companies try to deny claims – we dismantle their defenses |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Hinsdale County cases in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Strategic advantage against national fraternities headquartered outside Colorado |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual representation for Hinsdale County Hispanic families |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating a $10 million hazing case – same strategies apply to Hinsdale County victims |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win. |
Our Attorneys – Fighting for Hinsdale County Families
Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner
- 25+ years of trial experience
- Former insurance defense attorney – knows how insurers try to minimize claims
- Federal court admission – can pursue Hinsdale County cases in federal jurisdiction
- BP Texas City explosion litigation – experience with complex, high-stakes cases
- Directly handling the $10M Pi Kappa Phi hazing case
Ralph’s message to Hinsdale County families:
“When a fraternity waterboards a student, when they force them to exercise until their kidneys fail, when they threaten expulsion for refusing to comply – that’s not hazing. That’s torture. And we will hold every single person responsible accountable.”
Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney
- 12+ years of litigation experience
- Former national insurance defense attorney – knows how fraternities and universities try to avoid liability
- Fluent in Spanish – can serve Hinsdale County Hispanic families without language barriers
- Wrongful death and catastrophic injury expertise – critical for hazing cases involving hospitalization or death
Lupe’s message to Hinsdale County families:
“Fraternities will tell you this is ‘tradition.’ Universities will tell you they ‘didn’t know.’ Insurance companies will tell you your claim isn’t worth much. Don’t believe them. We know how to fight back – and we will.”
📋 What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Hinsdale County
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can be fatal if untreated.
- Alcohol poisoning can be deadly in forced drinking hazing.
- Document all injuries – take photos of bruises, cuts, or other physical harm.
- Get a copy of all medical records – these are critical evidence.
Step 2: Preserve All Evidence
✅ Text messages / GroupMe / Snapchat – Screenshot everything.
✅ Photos & videos – From hazing events or injuries.
✅ Social media posts – From fraternity/sorority members discussing hazing.
✅ Witness information – Names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders.
✅ Fraternity/sorority documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules.
⚠️ DO NOT:
- Delete any messages or posts.
- Talk to fraternity/sorority leadership without legal counsel.
- Sign anything from the organization.
- Post about the incident on social media.
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- File a police report – Hazing is a crime in Colorado.
- Report to the university – Title IX or student conduct office.
- Report to the national organization – If applicable.
Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately
- Statute of limitations in Colorado: 2 years from the date of injury.
- Evidence disappears quickly – fraternities destroy records, witnesses forget, social media gets deleted.
- Insurance companies will lowball you – they want to pay as little as possible.
📞 Hinsdale County Families: Call Attorney 911 Now
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com
🎯 Common Hazing Activities in Hinsdale County – And Why They’re Illegal
Fraternities and sororities near Hinsdale County often claim hazing is “harmless tradition.” It’s not.
| Hazing Activity | Why It’s Illegal | Potential Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Forced Alcohol Consumption | Can lead to alcohol poisoning, choking, death | Alcohol poisoning, coma, death |
| Waterboarding / Simulated Drowning | Torture; risk of drowning | PTSD, panic attacks, death |
| Extreme Physical Exercise (e.g., 500 squats, bear crawls) | Causes rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) | Kidney failure, hospitalization, death |
| Paddling / Beating | Physical assault with weapons | Bruises, broken bones, internal bleeding |
| Forced Eating Until Vomiting | Risk of choking, aspiration | Choking, esophageal tears, death |
| Sleep Deprivation | Impairs judgment, causes accidents | Car crashes, falls, mental health decline |
| Exposure to Extreme Weather | Risk of hypothermia or heat stroke | Hypothermia, heat stroke, death |
| Psychological Torture (e.g., humiliation, threats) | Causes PTSD, anxiety, depression | Suicidal ideation, long-term trauma |
| Sexual Assault / Harassment | Criminal sexual assault | PTSD, depression, lifelong trauma |
These are not “pranks.” They are crimes.
🏛️ Universities Near Hinsdale County with Greek Life – And Their Hazing Histories
Hinsdale County is surrounded by colleges and universities with active Greek life. Hazing happens at all of them.
| University | Greek Life Presence | Known Hazing Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Lewis College (Durango) | Multiple fraternities & sororities | Documented hazing reports; forced drinking incidents |
| Western Colorado University (Gunnison) | Fraternities & sororities | Alcohol-related hazing incidents |
| Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction) | Active Greek system | Forced consumption, physical hazing |
| Adams State University (Alamosa) | Smaller Greek presence | Psychological hazing, sleep deprivation |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Large Greek system | Multiple hazing deaths; forced drinking |
| Colorado State University (Fort Collins) | Active Greek life | Hazing-related hospitalizations |
| University of Northern Colorado (Greeley) | Fraternities & sororities | Physical and psychological hazing |
The same national fraternities that hazed our client in Houston operate at these schools. If it happened there, it’s happening near Hinsdale County.
📢 Message to Hinsdale County Fraternities: We Are Watching
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, and every other fraternity operating near Hinsdale County:
We are watching. We are documenting. And we will hold you accountable.
The $10 million lawsuit we filed against Pi Kappa Phi is just the beginning. If your chapter hazes students in Hinsdale County, we will:
- Sue your local chapter
- Sue your national organization
- Sue your individual members
- Sue your alumni hosts
- Sue your university for failing to protect students
Waterboarding? We’ll sue.
500 squats? We’ll sue.
Forced drinking? We’ll sue.
Paddling? We’ll sue.
We have the evidence. We have the experience. And we have the fury to fight for Hinsdale County families.
Clean up your chapters now – before we clean them out in court.
📞 Hinsdale County Families: Contact Us Now
Free Consultation – No Upfront Cost – We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win
📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
📍 Video Consultations Available for Hinsdale County families
We Will Travel to Hinsdale County
Our attorneys will come to Hinsdale County for:
- Depositions
- Client meetings
- Court appearances
- Trials
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Hinsdale County Families: You Are Not Alone
Hazing victims often feel shame, fear, and isolation. But you don’t have to fight this battle alone.
We are here to:
✅ Protect your rights
✅ Hold the perpetrators accountable
✅ Recover the compensation you deserve
✅ Prevent this from happening to others
📞 Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions for Hinsdale County Families
1. My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
Hazing victims often fear retaliation, social ostracism, or losing their Greek life membership. However:
- Hazing is a crime – Reporting it can prevent future victims.
- You can report anonymously – Many universities allow anonymous reports.
- We can help protect your child’s identity – Legal action can be taken confidentially.
The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence.
2. Can we sue even if my child consented to hazing?
Yes. Colorado law states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still holds perpetrators accountable.
3. How much is my child’s hazing case worth?
Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits typically recover:
- $50,000–$500,000 for minor injuries
- $500,000–$2 million for serious injuries (hospitalization, surgery, PTSD)
- $2 million–$10+ million for catastrophic injuries or wrongful death
Our firm has recovered MILLIONS for hazing victims. Hinsdale County families deserve the same.
4. What if the hazing happened off-campus?
You can still sue. Hazing is illegal regardless of where it occurs. If hazing happened at a private residence, we can sue:
- The fraternity/sorority chapter
- The individual members
- The homeowners (premises liability)
5. How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
Colorado’s statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years from the date of injury.
Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.
6. Will my child get in trouble for reporting hazing?
No. Colorado has anti-retaliation laws protecting hazing victims. If your child faces retaliation (expulsion from Greek life, academic consequences, social ostracism), we can sue for additional damages.
7. 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. If:
- The university owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
- The university had prior hazing incidents at the same chapter
- The university failed to implement proper oversight
…then they can be held liable.
8. What if my child is an international student?
Your child has the same legal rights as any other student. We can help navigate:
- Immigration concerns
- Language barriers
- Cultural differences in understanding hazing
Se habla español.
9. How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis – we only get paid if we win your case.
Typical fees:
- 33% of settlement if resolved before trial
- 40% if a lawsuit is filed
- 45% if the case goes to trial
You pay $0 unless we recover compensation for you.
10. What if the fraternity says this was “just a prank”?
Hazing is not a prank. If the activities caused:
- Physical injury
- Emotional trauma
- Hospitalization
- Academic disruption
…then it’s not a prank – it’s a legal case.
🚨 Hinsdale County Parents: Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed
Hazing is often hidden from parents. Watch for these red flags:
| Physical Signs | Behavioral Signs | Academic Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Unexplained bruises | Withdrawal from family/friends | Sudden drop in grades |
| Cuts or burns | Anxiety or depression | Skipping classes |
| Difficulty walking | Mood swings | Loss of interest in activities |
| Extreme fatigue | Secretive behavior | Missing deadlines |
| Weight loss | Avoiding questions about Greek life | Poor concentration |
| Signs of alcohol poisoning | Fear of certain people/places | Requests for money without explanation |
| Sleep deprivation (dark circles, exhaustion) | Changes in sleep patterns | Withdrawal from social media |
If you notice these signs, talk to your child immediately. Then call us.
📜 Colorado Hazing Laws – What Hinsdale County Families Need to Know
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 purposes of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any student organization.
Criminal Penalties:
| Offense Level | Punishment |
|---|---|
| Class 3 Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail; $50–$750 fine |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months in jail; $250–$1,000 fine (if injury occurs) |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 18 months in jail; $500–$5,000 fine (if serious bodily injury) |
| Class 4 Felony | 2–6 years in prison; $2,000–$500,000 fine (if death occurs) |
Civil Liability:
Victims can sue for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
🎓 Hinsdale County Students: Know Your Rights
You Have the Right To:
✅ Say NO to hazing – No one can force you to participate.
✅ Report hazing without retaliation – Colorado law protects you.
✅ Leave a dangerous situation – You are not obligated to stay.
✅ Seek medical attention – Even if you’re afraid of getting in trouble.
✅ Consult an attorney – Before talking to fraternity/sorority leaders or university officials.
If You’re Being Hazed:
- Get to a safe place immediately.
- Document everything – Take photos, save messages, write down details.
- Seek medical attention if injured.
- Report the hazing to the university and/or police.
- Contact an attorney – We can protect your rights and help you take legal action.
📞 You are not alone. Call us: 1-888-ATTY-911
🔥 Final Message to Hinsdale County Families
Enough Is Enough.
For too long, fraternities and sororities near Hinsdale County have hidden behind “tradition” to justify abuse. Universities have turned a blind eye. National organizations have failed to act.
But the tide is turning.
The $10 million lawsuit we filed against Pi Kappa Phi proves that hazing cases win big. The criminal convictions in other cases prove that perpetrators face real consequences. The new hazing laws being passed nationwide prove that society is finally saying “enough.”
Hinsdale County families: It’s time to fight back.
If your child was hazed, we will:
✅ Hold every responsible party accountable – from the individual members to the national organization to the university.
✅ Recover the compensation you deserve – for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
✅ Prevent this from happening to others – by forcing institutions to change.
You don’t have to suffer in silence. You don’t have to fight alone.
📞 Hinsdale County Families: Call Attorney 911 Now
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com
We don’t get paid unless you win. And we don’t stop fighting until justice is served.
