Hazing Victims in Larimer County: Legal Rights and Justice
The Hazing Crisis in Larimer County and Beyond
If you or someone you love has been the victim of hazing in Larimer County, you’re not alone. The same fraternities and sororities that have made headlines for dangerous hazing incidents across the country operate right here in northern Colorado. The recent $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston proves that hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” – it’s a dangerous, often illegal practice that can leave victims with lifelong physical and emotional scars.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting this battle in court and we’re ready to bring the same aggressive representation to Larimer County families. Whether your child attends Colorado State University, Front Range Community College, or any other institution in the region, we can help.
What Constitutes Hazing in Larimer County?
Colorado law defines hazing as any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that:
- Endangers the physical or mental health of an individual
- Involves forced consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Includes physical brutality like whipping, beating, or branding
- Involves sleep deprivation or exposure to extreme weather conditions
- Requires any activity that would subject the individual to embarrassment or humiliation
The recent case we’re handling in Texas involved waterboarding, forced eating until vomiting, extreme physical punishment, and psychological torture – all activities that have occurred right here in Larimer County.
The Physical and Emotional Toll of Hazing
Hazing incidents in Larimer County have resulted in:
- Hospitalizations for alcohol poisoning
- Severe dehydration and heat stroke
- Broken bones from physical abuse
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- In some tragic cases, wrongful death
Our client in the Texas case suffered rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure requiring a four-day hospital stay after being forced to do 500 squats and other extreme exercises. Similar incidents have occurred at Larimer County institutions.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Larimer County?
When hazing occurs in Larimer County, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:
- Local Chapters: The fraternity or sorority chapter that organized the hazing
- National Organizations: The national fraternity/sorority that failed to supervise
- Universities and Colleges: For failing to protect students (CSU, FRCC, etc.)
- Individual Members: Those who directly participated in or facilitated hazing
- Alumni and House Corporations: For allowing hazing on their property
Larimer County’s Legal Framework
Colorado has strong laws against hazing. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-124:
- Hazing is a Class 3 misdemeanor
- If the hazing results in serious bodily injury, it becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor
- If the hazing results in death, it becomes a Class 4 felony
Additionally, Colorado law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges – meaning even if a student “agreed” to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
Recent Hazing Incidents in Colorado
While Larimer County may not have made national headlines for hazing, we know from our nationwide experience that these incidents occur regularly. Recent Colorado cases include:
- A 2023 incident at the University of Colorado where pledges were forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol
- Multiple reports of physical abuse in Greek organizations at Colorado State University
- Hazing allegations in athletic programs at various Colorado colleges
What to Do If You’re a Hazing Victim in Larimer County
If you or your child has been hazed in Larimer County:
- Seek medical attention immediately – Even if injuries seem minor
- Document everything – Take photos of injuries, save text messages, keep copies of any written materials
- Report the incident – To campus authorities and local law enforcement
- Preserve evidence – Don’t delete anything that could be relevant
- Contact an attorney – Before speaking to anyone from the organization or their insurance company
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Larimer County Hazing Case
While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Larimer County. Here’s why families choose us:
- We’re actively fighting this battle right now – Our attorneys are currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston
- Former insurance defense attorneys – We know how the other side thinks and fights
- Federal court authority – We can pursue cases in federal court when appropriate
- Dual-state bar admission – Licensed in Texas and New York
- Bilingual services – We serve Spanish-speaking families in Larimer County
- Contingency fee basis – You pay nothing unless we win your case
- Willingness to travel – We’ll come to Larimer County for depositions and meetings
The Attorney 911 Difference
We don’t just talk about hazing – we’re actively fighting it in court. Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, are both former insurance defense lawyers who know exactly how these organizations try to avoid responsibility. We’ve seen their playbook and now we use that knowledge to fight for victims.
In our current case, we’re representing a student who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles – resulting in kidney failure and hospitalization. We’re demanding $10 million to hold the fraternity and university accountable. Larimer County families deserve the same aggressive representation.
Common Hazing Defenses and How We Defeat Them
Organizations often try to defend hazing by claiming:
- “It was just tradition” – We prove that illegal activities can’t be justified by tradition
- “The victim consented” – Colorado law explicitly states consent is not a defense
- “It was just horseplay” – We show the systematic, organized nature of hazing
- “The university didn’t know” – We prove institutional knowledge and failure to act
- “It wasn’t that serious” – We document the physical and emotional harm
Potential Compensation for Larimer County Hazing Victims
Hazing victims in Larimer County may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- Wrongful death damages (in tragic cases)
The Urgency of Acting Now
Colorado has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
What to Expect When You Contact Us
When you call Attorney 911 about your Larimer County hazing case:
- You’ll speak with an attorney, not a paralegal or intake specialist
- We’ll provide a free, confidential consultation
- We’ll explain your legal rights and options
- If we take your case, we’ll begin preserving evidence immediately
- We’ll handle all communications with the organization and their lawyers
- We’ll fight for maximum compensation on your behalf
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Larimer County
Q: Can I sue if I was hazed but didn’t suffer serious physical injuries?
A: Yes. Even without serious physical injuries, you may have claims for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Q: What if I’m afraid of retaliation for speaking out?
A: We understand these concerns and will protect your identity as much as possible. Many hazing victims fear retaliation, but speaking out can prevent future incidents.
Q: Can I sue if I’m not a student at the university?
A: Yes. In our current case, the victim wasn’t even enrolled at the university yet. Organizations can be liable for hazing non-students.
Q: What if the hazing occurred off-campus?
A: Hazing is illegal regardless of where it occurs. We can pursue claims even for off-campus incidents.
Q: Can I afford an attorney?
A: Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs.
Contact Attorney 911 Today
If you or your child has been the victim of hazing in Larimer County, don’t wait. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve hazing victims throughout Larimer County, including Fort Collins, Loveland, Wellington, Estes Park, Berthoud, and all surrounding communities. While we’re based in Texas, we’re ready to fight for Larimer County families with the same dedication we’re bringing to our current $10 million hazing case.
Don’t let the organization intimidate you into silence. You have rights. You deserve justice. And we’re here to fight for you.
