Hazing Lawyers in Mineral County, Colorado – Protecting Victims & Families
Fraternity & Sorority Hazing in Mineral County: You Are Not Alone
If your child was injured, hospitalized, or traumatized due to hazing at a Mineral County college or university, you have legal rights—and Attorney 911 is here to fight for you. While we’re based in Texas, our attorneys have nationwide experience holding fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable for hazing abuse. We serve Mineral County families with the same aggressive representation we’re using in our $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
Hazing Is Not Tradition—It’s Abuse
Hazing isn’t “boys being boys” or “building brotherhood.” It’s assault, battery, and psychological torture—and it’s happening at colleges near Mineral County. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and hospitalized with kidney failure after pledging Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a systemic problem at universities across Colorado and the U.S.
If your child was hazed in Mineral County, we will fight for justice.
Why Mineral County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting Hazing RIGHT NOW
We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the same type of abuse that happens at Mineral County schools. Our client was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after weeks of torture. We know how to win these cases.
2. Nationwide Experience – Including Colorado
While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims across the U.S., including in Mineral County. Our attorneys are licensed in Texas and New York, with federal court admission—meaning we can pursue cases against national fraternities and universities no matter where the hazing occurred.
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys – We Know Their Playbook
Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, both worked for insurance defense firms before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how fraternities, universities, and their insurers try to deny claims—and we know how to dismantle their defenses.
4. No Upfront Costs – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
Hazing cases are taken on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay $0 unless we recover compensation for you. We don’t get paid unless you do.
5. We Travel to Mineral County for Your Case
We understand that distance can be a concern. That’s why we offer video consultations and are willing to travel to Mineral County for depositions, meetings, and trials. Your case is our priority, no matter where you are.
Common Hazing Injuries in Mineral County – We’ve Seen It All
Hazing takes many forms, but it always causes harm. Some of the most common injuries we see in hazing cases include:
Physical Injuries
✔ Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) – Same injury our current client suffered
✔ Broken bones from beatings or falls
✔ Brain injuries from blows to the head
✔ Burns from branding or hot objects
✔ Alcohol poisoning from forced binge drinking
✔ Internal bleeding from physical abuse
✔ Hypothermia or heatstroke from forced exposure
Psychological Trauma
✔ PTSD from waterboarding, paddling, or sexual humiliation
✔ Anxiety & depression from ongoing abuse
✔ Suicidal ideation due to shame and isolation
✔ Trust issues and difficulty forming relationships
Wrongful Death
✔ Hazing deaths from alcohol poisoning, drowning, or physical trauma
✔ Suicides following extreme humiliation or abuse
If your child suffered any of these injuries in Mineral County, we can help.
Who Is Liable for Hazing in Mineral County?
Hazing cases involve multiple defendants—all of whom can be held accountable. In our current case, we’re suing:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local fraternity/sorority chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National fraternity/sorority organization | Failed to supervise chapter despite knowing about hazing risks |
| University/college | Failed to protect students despite having authority over Greek life |
| Chapter officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Led and participated in hazing activities |
| Individual members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Alumni or property owners | Allowed hazing at their homes or properties |
| Insurance companies | Provided liability coverage for the organizations |
We pursue every liable party to maximize your compensation.
Mineral County Hazing Laws – What You Need to Know
Colorado Hazing Law (C.R.S. § 18-9-124)
In Colorado, hazing is a crime with serious penalties:
| Offense Level | Punishment |
|---|---|
| Class 3 Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail, $750 fine |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 18 months in jail, $5,000 fine (if serious bodily injury occurs) |
| Class 4 Felony | 2-6 years in prison (if death occurs) |
Key Legal Points:
✅ Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed” to hazing, the law says it’s still illegal.
✅ Universities must report hazing – Schools that fail to report hazing face penalties.
✅ Criminal + civil liability – Hazing can lead to both jail time and lawsuits.
Civil Lawsuits for Hazing in Mineral County
Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, you can still sue for damages, including:
✔ Medical bills (hospitalization, therapy, future treatment)
✔ Lost wages (if your child missed work or school)
✔ Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
✔ Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
Our current hazing case seeks $10 million—and we’ll fight for the same for Mineral County families.**
What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Mineral County
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get medical documentation. Hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis can worsen over time.
2. Preserve Evidence
✅ Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, and any physical evidence.
✅ Save all communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, emails).
✅ Get witness names and contact info (other pledges, bystanders).
✅ Document everything (dates, times, locations, what was said/done).
3. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Without a Lawyer
❌ Do NOT give statements to university officials, fraternity leaders, or insurance companies.
❌ Do NOT sign anything from the organization.
❌ Do NOT post about the incident on social media.
Insurance companies and universities will try to minimize your claim. We won’t let them.
4. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
✅ Free consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost.
✅ 24/7 availability – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime.
✅ No upfront fees – You pay nothing unless we win.
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
Fraternities & Sororities Near Mineral County with Hazing Histories
Hazing isn’t limited to one organization—it’s a culture problem across Greek life. Some of the fraternities and sororities with documented hazing incidents near Mineral County include:
Fraternities with Hazing Deaths or Lawsuits
| Fraternity | Hazing Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017) – Died from forced drinking | Chapter closed; $10M+ in lawsuits |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) – Died from forced drinking | Chapter closed; $10.1M settlement |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (LSU, 2017) – Died from forced drinking | $6.1M jury verdict; Max Gruver Act passed |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) – Fell down stairs after forced drinking | $110M+ settlement; Piazza Law passed |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Multiple deaths and lawsuits | Multiple chapter closures |
Sororities with Hazing Incidents
While sorority hazing is less publicized, it still occurs. Common forms include:
✔ Forced alcohol consumption
✔ Sleep deprivation
✔ Psychological humiliation
✔ Physical abuse
If your daughter was hazed in a Mineral County sorority, we can help.
Mineral County Colleges & Universities – Hazing Risks
Mineral County is home to Western Colorado University in Gunnison, and nearby institutions like Colorado Mesa University and Fort Lewis College have active Greek life. Hazing can happen at any school with fraternities or sororities.
Common Hazing Locations Near Mineral County
✔ Fraternity/sorority houses (often university-owned)
✔ Off-campus apartments (rented by members)
✔ University facilities (basements, locker rooms)
✔ Remote locations (camping trips, retreats)
Universities have a duty to protect students. When they fail, we hold them accountable.
$10 Million Hazing Lawsuit – What This Means for Mineral County
Our current case against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston is setting the standard for hazing litigation nationwide. Here’s what happened:
The Hazing Incident (Fall 2025)
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez (not even a UH student yet—he was a “ghost rush”)
- Abuse: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
- Injury: Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure – hospitalized for 4 days
- Response: Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter but is already planning to reopen
Our Lawsuit (November 2025)
- Damages Sought: $10 million
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, UH, chapter officers, individual members
- Media Coverage: ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media
Why This Case Matters for Mineral County
✅ Proves hazing cases win big – $10M is achievable for serious injuries.
✅ Shows universities are liable – UH owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
✅ Demonstrates pattern of abuse – Pi Kappa Phi had a prior hazing death in 2017 and did nothing.
✅ Sets precedent for Colorado – The same fraternities operate near Mineral County.
If your child was hazed in Mineral County, we will fight for the same justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Mineral County
Q: Is hazing really that common in Mineral County?
A: Yes. 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing, and 95% don’t report it due to fear of retaliation. Even at smaller schools like Western Colorado University, hazing occurs.
Q: Can I sue if my child consented to hazing?
A: Yes. Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-9-124) explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says it’s still illegal.
Q: How much is my hazing case worth?
A: Every case is different, but hazing lawsuits often result in multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts. Factors that increase case value include:
✔ Severity of injuries (hospitalization, permanent damage)
✔ Egregious conduct (waterboarding, paddling, forced drinking)
✔ University negligence (prior hazing incidents, failure to act)
✔ Pattern of abuse (multiple victims, repeated incidents)
Our current hazing case seeks $10 million—and we’ll fight for the same for Mineral County families.**
Q: How long do I have to file a hazing lawsuit in Colorado?
A: 2 years from the date of injury (Colorado’s statute of limitations). Do not wait—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Q: Can I sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?
A: Yes, you can sue both. National organizations have deep pockets and insurance policies that cover hazing incidents. In our current case, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi National for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about prior incidents.
Q: What if the fraternity claims it was “just a prank”?
A: Hazing is not a prank—it’s a crime. Waterboarding, forced drinking, and physical abuse are assault and battery, not “tradition.” Juries and courts take these cases seriously.
Q: Will my child get in trouble for reporting hazing?
A: No. Colorado’s hazing law includes immunity for reporting (C.R.S. § 18-9-124(3)). Your child cannot be punished for reporting hazing.
Q: Do I need a lawyer who’s local to Mineral County?
A: No. While local lawyers may be familiar with Mineral County courts, hazing cases require specialized experience in suing universities and national fraternities. We represent clients nationwide and are willing to travel to Mineral County for your case.
Mineral County Hazing Victims: We’re Here to Help
If your child was hazed at a Mineral County college or university, you don’t have to fight this alone. Attorney 911 is ready to fight for you with the same aggression we’re using in our $10 million hazing lawsuit.
Call Now for a Free Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We don’t get paid unless you do. Let’s hold them accountable.
