Hazing Victims in Montezuma County: Legal Rights and Resources

When “Tradition” Becomes Torture: The Reality of Hazing in Southwest Colorado

Montezuma County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to provide a positive educational experience. But for too many students in Colorado and across America, that trust is shattered by hazing — a dangerous “tradition” that has sent countless young people to the hospital, and far too many to the grave.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. Waterboarding. Forced eating until vomiting. 500 squats until his muscles broke down. This isn’t college life — it’s torture. And it happens right here in Colorado too.

If your child has been hazed at a university near Montezuma County, you have legal rights. You have options. And you have allies in this fight.

What Constitutes Hazing in Colorado?

Colorado law defines hazing broadly to protect students from dangerous initiation practices. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-124, hazing includes any activity that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Is required for initiation, admission, or affiliation with any student organization
• Involves forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Includes physical brutality like whipping, beating, or branding
• Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme weather, or other dangerous conditions
• Requires any act that violates Colorado law

This means that even if your child “consented” to participate, the law still holds the organization accountable. Consent is not a defense to hazing in Colorado.

Common Hazing Practices in Colorado Universities

While Montezuma County itself doesn’t have a major university, students from our community attend colleges across Colorado where hazing is a serious problem. Some of the most dangerous hazing practices we’ve seen include:

• Forced alcohol consumption leading to alcohol poisoning
• Extreme physical exertion like 500 squats, bear crawls, or 100-yard crawls that can cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and kidney failure
• Waterboarding or simulated drowning — a form of torture
• Physical beatings with paddles, belts, or other objects
• Forced eating of large quantities of food, peppercorns, or other substances until vomiting
• Sleep deprivation through late-night activities or forced driving
• Psychological abuse including humiliation, degradation, and threats
• Sexual humiliation or assault

These aren’t “pranks” or “team-building exercises.” They’re illegal, dangerous, and have no place on Colorado campuses.

Colorado Universities Where Hazing Occurs

While Montezuma County is home to smaller community colleges like Southwest Colorado Community College (a branch of Pueblo Community College), many of our students attend larger universities across Colorado where Greek life and other organizations are active:

• Colorado State University (Fort Collins) — Active Greek system with documented hazing incidents
• University of Colorado Boulder — Major Greek presence with hazing concerns
• University of Northern Colorado (Greeley) — Greek organizations present
• Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction) — Closer to Montezuma County, with Greek life
• Fort Lewis College (Durango) — Popular choice for Montezuma County students, with Greek organizations

The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and others — operate chapters at these Colorado universities. If your child is pledging a Greek organization near Montezuma County, they face the same risks we’re fighting in our current case.

The Medical Dangers of Hazing

Hazing isn’t just emotionally scarring — it can be physically deadly. Some of the medical consequences we’ve seen include:

• Rhabdomyolysis — Muscle breakdown that releases toxic proteins into the bloodstream, causing kidney failure (exactly what happened to our client in Houston)
• Acute kidney failure — Life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization and sometimes dialysis
• Alcohol poisoning — Can be fatal; many hazing deaths involve forced drinking
• Traumatic brain injuries — From beatings or falls while intoxicated
• Hypothermia or heat stroke — From exposure to extreme weather conditions
• Cardiac arrest — From extreme physical exertion or electrolyte imbalances
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression — Long-lasting psychological trauma
• Suicide — Some hazing victims take their own lives due to the emotional toll

Our client in Houston spent four days in the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being forced to do 500 squats and other extreme exercises. This same medical emergency could happen to any student at a Colorado university near Montezuma County.

Who Is Liable When Hazing Occurs Near Montezuma County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible:

1. The local chapter — The fraternity or sorority that directly organized the hazing
2. The national organization — They set the policies and culture that allowed hazing to occur
3. The university — They have a duty to protect students and often own or control the property where hazing occurs
4. Individual members — Those who participated in, organized, or failed to stop the hazing
5. Chapter officers — Leaders who directed or allowed the activities
6. Alumni or former members — Those who hosted or facilitated hazing
7. Insurance companies — Policies covering the organization or individuals

In our current case, we’re suing Pi Kappa Phi National, the local chapter, the University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house), individual members, and even a former member and his spouse who hosted hazing at their home.

Your Legal Rights as a Montezuma County Hazing Victim

If your child has been hazed at a Colorado university, you have several legal options:

1. Civil Lawsuit for Damages

You can file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct and prevent future hazing)
• Educational disruption (tuition, lost scholarships, delayed graduation)

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

2. Criminal Charges

Hazing is a crime in Colorado. Under Colorado law:

• Hazing is a Class 3 misdemeanor if it doesn’t cause serious bodily injury
• Hazing is a Class 1 misdemeanor if it causes serious bodily injury
• Hazing is a Class 4 felony if it causes death

Individuals who participate in hazing can face jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

3. University Disciplinary Action

You can report hazing to the university’s administration. Many Colorado universities have anti-hazing policies and can discipline organizations or individuals through:

• Suspension of the organization
• Expulsion of members
• Loss of university recognition
• Mandatory education programs

4. Title IX Complaint

If the hazing involved sexual harassment or assault, you can file a Title IX complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. Title IX protects students from gender-based discrimination, including sexual violence.

Why Montezuma County Families Choose Attorney 911

While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including students from Montezuma County who attend Colorado universities. Here’s why families from our community trust us:

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. This isn’t theoretical for us — we’re in the fight right now, and we’re bringing that same aggressive representation to Montezuma County families.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know how the other side thinks. We know their tactics, their strategies, and how to dismantle their defenses. When we say we know their playbook, we mean it — because we wrote parts of it.

3. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, meaning we can pursue hazing cases in federal court if needed. This gives us additional leverage against national organizations and universities.

4. Dual-State Licensed

We’re licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us strategic advantages when dealing with national fraternities and sororities headquartered in different states.

5. We Come to You

We will travel to Montezuma County, Durango, or anywhere in Colorado for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. Se Habla Español

We have bilingual staff who can serve Spanish-speaking families in Montezuma County without language barriers. Your comfort and understanding are our priority.

7. No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Montezuma County families don’t have to worry about legal fees while seeking justice.

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed Near Montezuma County

If you suspect or know your child has been hazed at a Colorado university, take these steps immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor. Many hazing injuries — like rhabdomyolysis or alcohol poisoning — may not show symptoms immediately. Our client in Houston didn’t realize how serious his condition was until days after the hazing.

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Take photos of any injuries
• Save all communications — text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails, social media posts
• Document everything — write down dates, times, locations, what happened, who was involved
• Get witness information — names and contact info of other pledges or witnesses
• Keep all medical records — hospital bills, doctor’s notes, test results

3. Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leaders without legal counsel
• Do not sign anything from the organization or university
• Do not give statements to administrators without your attorney present

4. Contact an Attorney Immediately

Time is critical. Colorado has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you have limited time to take legal action. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.

Call Attorney 911 today for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Case Study: What Happens When You Fight Back

The Pi Kappa Phi Case: A Warning to Colorado Universities

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston after a student was hospitalized with kidney failure from extreme hazing. Here’s what happened:

• The hazing: Waterboarding with a garden hose, forced eating until vomiting, 500 squats, wooden paddles, sleep deprivation, and psychological abuse over several weeks
• The injury: Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure requiring 4 days of hospitalization
• The response: The fraternity immediately suspended and then closed the chapter — but only after the victim was hospitalized
• The lawsuit: We sued the national organization, the local chapter, the University of Houston (which owned the fraternity house), individual members, and even a former member who hosted hazing at his home
• The media: ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media all covered the case
• The message: This is what happens when you haze students. You will be held accountable.

This same scenario could happen at any Colorado university near Montezuma County. The same fraternities operate here. The same culture exists. And we will bring the same fight to Colorado.

Precedent Cases: Hazing Victims Win Big

Hazing cases result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here are some recent examples that show what’s possible for Montezuma County families:

These cases prove that juries and institutions take hazing seriously. When fraternities and universities fail to protect students, they pay — and they pay big.

The Colorado Hazing Law: Know Your Rights

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

• Hazing is illegal if it endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• It applies to any activity required for initiation, admission, or affiliation with any student organization
• Consent is not a defense — even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable
• Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the severity of injury

Additionally, many Colorado universities have their own anti-hazing policies that can be used to hold organizations accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in Colorado

Q: My child consented to participate. Does that mean we can’t sue?

A: No. Colorado law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization can still be held liable for any harm that occurred.

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

A: Absolutely not. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. If the activities endangered your child’s health or safety, they constitute hazing under Colorado law.

Q: We’re in Montezuma County, and the hazing happened in Fort Collins/Denver/Boulder. Can you still help us?

A: Yes. We represent hazing victims nationwide. We have federal court authority and are willing to travel to Colorado for your case. Many of our clients are from outside Texas, and we handle cases across the country.

Q: How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a hazing case?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows Montezuma County families to pursue justice without financial barriers.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

We understand the fear of retaliation is real. Many hazing victims are afraid to come forward. We take steps to protect our clients, including:

• Confidential consultations
• Anonymous reporting options
• Legal protections against retaliation
• Media strategies that focus on institutions, not individual victims

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We respect that fear and work to protect our clients while still holding the responsible parties accountable.

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

Colorado has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you generally have two years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. However, there may be exceptions depending on the circumstances, so it’s critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Q: What if the hazing didn’t cause serious physical injury?

Even if your child wasn’t hospitalized, they may still have a valid claim. Hazing that causes emotional distress, humiliation, or other psychological harm can also support a lawsuit. Many of our clients have PTSD, anxiety, or depression from hazing experiences.

Q: Can we sue the university as well as the fraternity?

Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from known dangers. If the university knew or should have known about hazing risks and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our current case, we’re suing the University of Houston because they owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.

Montezuma County Resources for Hazing Victims

Local Support:

• Southwest Colorado Community College (Pueblo Community College branch) — While this institution doesn’t have Greek life, their counseling services may be able to provide support or referrals
• Four Corners Health Care — Local healthcare provider in Cortez
• Axis Health System — Behavioral health services in Durango and surrounding areas
• Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office — Can provide guidance on reporting criminal hazing

Colorado-Wide Resources:

• Colorado Department of Higher Education — Oversees state universities and can provide guidance on reporting
• Colorado Attorney General’s Office — Can investigate institutional failures
• University-specific reporting:
  • Colorado State University: Report Hazing
  • University of Colorado Boulder: Hazing Reporting
  • Fort Lewis College: Student Conduct Reporting

The Attorney 911 Difference: Why We’re the Right Choice for Montezuma County Families

When you’re fighting powerful institutions like national fraternities and major universities, you need more than just a lawyer — you need a team that knows how to win. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial

Many personal injury lawyers settle cases quickly to avoid the courtroom. We’re different. We’re trial attorneys who aren’t afraid to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice. Our track record speaks for itself:

• Hundreds of cases litigated
• Millions recovered for clients
• Experience in both state and federal courts

2. We Know the Insurance Playbook

Both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims. We know exactly how they:

• Try to minimize claims
• Delay payments
• Deny liability
• Pressure victims to accept lowball offers

We use that insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize your recovery.

3. We Handle the Entire Process for You

From the moment you call us, we take over:

• Handling all communications with the other side
• Gathering evidence and building your case
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Filing all legal documents
• Representing you in court if needed

You focus on your child’s recovery while we focus on getting justice.

4. We Have a Proven Track Record

Our firm has recovered millions for personal injury victims, including:

• Multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries
• Significant verdicts for wrongful death cases
• Successful outcomes in complex litigation against large institutions

5. We Treat You Like Family

We understand that hazing is traumatic for the entire family. We provide:

• Compassionate, personalized service
• Regular updates on your case
• Bilingual support for Spanish-speaking families
• A commitment to your well-being, not just your case

What to Expect When You Call Attorney 911

When you contact us about a hazing case, here’s what happens:

1. Free, Confidential Consultation — We listen to your story and evaluate your case at no cost
2. Case Evaluation — We determine the strength of your claim and explain your options
3. Evidence Preservation — We help you gather and protect critical evidence
4. Investigation — We build your case, including medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony
5. Demand Letter — We send a formal demand to the responsible parties
6. Negotiation — We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
7. Litigation (if needed) — If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we file a lawsuit and take your case to court
8. Resolution — We recover compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages

The Time to Act Is Now

Hazing victims often delay seeking help due to:

• Shame or embarrassment
• Fear of social retaliation
• Loyalty to the organization
• Not recognizing it as hazing
• Pressure from members to stay quiet

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations runs out.

If your child has been hazed at a Colorado university near Montezuma County, call Attorney 911 today:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com

Website: attorney911.com

A Message to Montezuma County Fraternities and Sororities

To the Greek organizations operating near Montezuma County:

We are watching. We are documenting. We are coming for anyone who engages in hazing.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. The same national organizations that have paid millions — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — have active chapters at Colorado universities.

If you haze students near Montezuma County, know this:

• We will identify every liable entity
• We will pursue every insurance policy
• We will hold every individual accountable
• We will seek punitive damages to make an example of your chapter
• We will shut you down

The Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.

A Message to Colorado Universities

To the administrators at Colorado State University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Northern Colorado, Colorado Mesa University, Fort Lewis College, and other institutions near Montezuma County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. You own the property. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect.

When you fail to act on hazing reports, when you ignore warning signs, when you allow dangerous traditions to continue — you become liable. And we will hold you accountable.

The University of Houston is facing a $10 million lawsuit because they owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded. If you own or control Greek housing, you face the same liability.

A Final Message to Montezuma County Families

Parents of Montezuma County: you sent your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trusted the institutions to protect them. When that trust is broken, you deserve justice.

We understand the pain you’re feeling. We understand the anger. We understand the fear of retaliation.

But you are not powerless. You have rights. You have options. And you have allies in this fight.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. We are trial attorneys who aren’t afraid to take on powerful institutions. We are former insurance defense lawyers who know how to dismantle their defenses. We are parents who understand what’s at stake.

And we are ready to fight for your family.

Call us today. The consultation is free. The case evaluation is confidential. And the fight for justice starts now.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Enough is enough.