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Union County (Earth/North America/United States/New Jersey/Union County) Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $50M+ in National Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 β€” The Firm That Shut Down Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

February 24, 2026 15 min read
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🚨 Hazing Victims in Union County, New Jersey β€” You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed at a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or any student organization near Union County, we can help.

The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at the University of Houston have chapters at colleges and universities throughout New Jersey, including near Union County. The same hazing culture exists at institutions across the Garden State. And we are fighting it β€” right now β€” with a $10 million lawsuit that proves these cases can win.

Union County families: You have the same rights. You deserve the same justice.

πŸ›οΈ Greek Life Near Union County β€” The Same Hazing Risks Exist Here

Union County is home to a vibrant college community with several institutions where Greek life thrives. Many of these universities have active chapters of the same national fraternities and sororities involved in hazing incidents nationwide β€” including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others.

Colleges and Universities Near Union County with Greek Life:

Institution Location Distance from Union County Notable Greek Organizations
Rutgers University-Newark Newark, NJ ~10 miles Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, others
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Newark, NJ ~10 miles Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others
Kean University Union, NJ Within Union County Multiple fraternities and sororities
Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ ~15 miles Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, others
Montclair State University Montclair, NJ ~20 miles Multiple fraternities and sororities
Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ ~30 miles Large Greek system with all major nationals
Princeton University Princeton, NJ ~40 miles Ivy League Greek life presence

Union County families: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these institutions, they face the same hazing risks we’re fighting in Texas. The same national organizations operate here. The same “traditions” of abuse exist.

πŸ’” What Hazing Looks Like β€” It’s Happening Near Union County Too

Our client at the University of Houston was subjected to:

  • Waterboarding with a garden hose β€” simulated drowning
  • Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
  • Struck with wooden paddles β€” physical assault
  • Forced eating until vomiting β€” then forced to keep running
  • Sleep deprivation β€” forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
  • Psychological torture β€” carrying sexual objects, humiliation, threats

This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is abuse. This is assault. And it’s happening at New Jersey colleges near Union County.

πŸ“œ New Jersey Hazing Laws β€” Strong Protections for Union County Victims

New Jersey has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the country. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:40-3, hazing is a fourth-degree crime β€” a felony β€” when it creates a substantial risk of physical injury. If hazing causes serious bodily injury, it becomes a third-degree crime.

Key Provisions of New Jersey Hazing Law:

Statute Provision Union County Application
N.J.S.A. 2C:40-3 Hazing that creates substantial risk of physical injury is a crime Union County prosecutors can pursue criminal charges
N.J.S.A. 2C:40-3(b) Hazing causing serious bodily injury is a third-degree crime Up to 5 years in prison for perpetrators
N.J.S.A. 18A:3B-81 Requires colleges to adopt anti-hazing policies Union County institutions must have prevention programs
N.J.S.A. 18A:3B-82 Requires colleges to report hazing incidents to law enforcement Union County institutions must report hazing
Civil Liability Victims can sue for negligence, assault, battery, emotional distress Union County victims can pursue compensation

Union County families: New Jersey law is on your side. Hazing is a crime, and victims have strong civil rights to compensation.

πŸ’° Why $10 Million Matters β€” This Is What Hazing Costs

We are currently pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for hazing that hospitalized our client with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

This is not an arbitrary number. This is what hazing cases are worth.

Precedent Cases β€” Hazing Victims Win Big

Case University Fraternity Outcome Amount
Stone Foltz Bowling Green State Pi Kappa Alpha Settlement $10.1 million
Maxwell Gruver Louisiana State Phi Delta Theta Jury Verdict $6.1 million
Timothy Piazza Penn State Beta Theta Pi Settlement $110+ million
Adam Oakes Virginia Commonwealth Delta Chi Settlement $4+ million
Andrew Coffey Florida State Pi Kappa Phi Settlement Confidential (multi-million)

Union County families: These cases prove that hazing victims can and do win substantial compensation. The same legal strategies apply to New Jersey cases.

βš–οΈ Who Is Liable in Union County Hazing Cases?

When hazing happens near Union County, multiple parties can be held accountable:

Defendant Why They’re Liable Union County Application
Local Chapter Directly organized and conducted hazing Union County fraternity/sorority chapters
National Organization Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, etc. β€” all operate near Union County
University Failed to prevent hazing; failed to supervise Greek life Rutgers-Newark, Kean, Seton Hall, NJIT, etc.
Chapter Officers Leadership responsibility; directed activities Presidents, pledge masters, risk managers
Individual Members Participated in hazing Every member who was involved
Alumni Hosted hazing at their homes Premises liability
Housing Corporations Owned property where hazing occurred Premises liability

Union County families: We sue everyone responsible. We don’t let institutions hide behind their size or reputation.

πŸ” What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Union County

Step-by-Step Action Guide for Union County Families

Step Action Why It Matters
1. Ensure Safety Remove victim from dangerous situation immediately Safety first β€” no more abuse
2. Seek Medical Attention Go to the ER or urgent care β€” even if injuries seem minor Document everything medically; rhabdomyolysis symptoms may be delayed
3. Preserve Evidence Take photos of injuries, hazing locations, items used Evidence disappears quickly
4. Screenshot Everything Save texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs Communications prove hazing
5. Get Witness Information Names and contact info of other victims/witnesses Corroboration strengthens case
6. Do NOT Talk to the Organization They will try to control the narrative Anything you say can be used against you
7. Do NOT Post on Social Media Insurance lawyers will use posts against you “I’m fine” posts destroy cases
8. Report to Authorities File police report; report to university Title IX office Creates official record
9. Contact an Attorney Call Attorney 911 β€” free consultation Know your rights; protect your case

Union County families: Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. Statutes of limitations expire. Act now.

πŸ“ž Union County Hazing Victims β€” Call Attorney 911 Today

Free Consultation β€” 24/7 β€” We Come to Union County

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Why Union County Families Choose Attorney 911:

βœ… Hazing Litigation Experts β€” We’re fighting a $10 million hazing case right now
βœ… Former Insurance Defense Attorneys β€” We know how they’ll fight back
βœ… Federal Court Authority β€” Can pursue cases nationwide
βœ… Dual-State Bar Licenses β€” Texas AND New York
βœ… Se Habla EspaΓ±ol β€” Bilingual staff serving Union County families
βœ… Contingency Fee β€” $0 upfront β€” We don’t get paid unless you win
βœ… We Travel to Union County β€” For depositions, trials, and client meetings
βœ… Video Consultations β€” Union County families can meet with us remotely

Union County families: You don’t have to fight this alone. We are here to help.

🎯 The Message to Union County Fraternities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating near Union County:

We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements.

Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi β€” if your chapter operates near Union County, know this:

  • We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit.
  • We have proven these cases can win.
  • We will pursue every liable entity β€” your chapter, your nationals, your university, your individual members.
  • We will use every legal tool to hold you accountable.

The UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter that hospitalized our client? It’s now shut down. Your chapter could be next.

πŸ›οΈ The Message to Union County Universities: You Are Responsible

To the universities near Union County β€” Rutgers, Kean, Seton Hall, NJIT, Montclair State, Princeton:

You have a duty to protect your students. When you fail, you share liability.

  • You know hazing happens in Greek life.
  • You have the power to inspect, regulate, and shut down dangerous chapters.
  • When you fail to act, students get hurt.
  • When students get hurt, you pay.

The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where our client was waterboarded. They are now a defendant in our $10 million lawsuit.

Union County institutions: The same liability applies to you. Act now β€” or face accountability in court.

πŸ’” To Union County Hazing Victims and Families: You Deserve Justice

If you or your child has been hazed at a college or university near Union County, you may feel:

  • Shame β€” that you “let it happen”
  • Fear β€” of retaliation or social consequences
  • Confusion β€” about what constitutes hazing
  • Hopelessness β€” that nothing can be done

We want you to know:

βœ… You did nothing wrong. You trusted an institution that betrayed you.
βœ… You are not alone. We represent hazing victims nationwide.
βœ… You have rights. New Jersey law protects you.
βœ… You can seek justice. We have proven these cases win.
βœ… You can prevent future victims. Your courage can save others.

Union County families: If you’re ready to step forward, we’re ready to fight for you.

πŸ“… Union County Hazing Statute of Limitations β€” Act Now

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of injury.

This means you have a limited time to take legal action.

Union County families: Don’t wait until it’s too late. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Your rights expire.

πŸ”₯ Why This Matters for Union County

Hazing doesn’t just happen in Texas. It happens in New Jersey. It happens at colleges near Union County. It happens to Union County students.

The same fraternities that waterboarded our client operate at Rutgers, Kean, Seton Hall, and other schools near Union County.

The same universities that failed to protect students in Texas have the same oversight failures here.

The same culture of abuse that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exists in Union County.

But here’s the difference: Now, Union County families know their rights. Now, Union County victims have a team that will fight for them. Now, Union County has Attorney 911.

πŸ† What We Fight For β€” Union County Families Deserve Justice

When we take on a hazing case for Union County families, we fight for:

βœ… Full compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma
βœ… Accountability for every person and institution responsible
βœ… Systemic change to prevent future hazing
βœ… Justice for your child and your family

Union County families: We don’t just want to win your case. We want to end hazing culture at colleges near Union County.

πŸ“ž Union County Hazing Victims β€” Call Now

You don’t have to face this alone. We are here to help.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911
πŸ“§ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Free consultation. Available 24/7. We come to Union County.

πŸ”— Additional Resources for Union County Families

Union County Families: Enough Is Enough

To the fraternities near Union County: We are watching. We are coming. We will hold you accountable.

To the universities near Union County: You have a duty to protect. When you fail, you will answer in court.

To the Union County hazing victims and families: You are not alone. We believe you. We will fight for you.

This ends now. For Union County. For New Jersey. For every student who deserves to be safe.

πŸ“ž 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

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