If you’re reading this in Warren County, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child went off to college, perhaps to a university near Warren County or further afield, hoping to make friends, learn, and grow. Instead, they were tortured. They were abused. Their trust was betrayed, and their future now hangs in the balance because of the barbaric practice of hazing. We at Attorney911 are here to help families in Warren County and across America fight back against fraternities, sororities, and universities that enable this violence.

We understand what you’re going through. The fear, the anger, the confusion – it’s overwhelming. You’re searching for answers and for someone who can help make things right. We know, because we are actively in this fight right now. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for horrific hazing that hospitalized our client. This is not a theoretical battle for us; it is a live, ongoing fight for justice, and we are ready to bring that same aggressive, data-driven strategy to your family’s hazing emergency in Warren County.

The Haunting Echoes of Hazing: What Families in Warren County Need to Know

The ideal of college life, especially in a vibrant state like New Jersey, often conjures images of academic pursuit, personal growth, and exciting social connections. For families in Warren County, sending a child off to institutions like Rutgers University, Montclair State University, The College of New Jersey, or even schools further afield, is a moment of hope and pride. You expect them to be safe, to be nurtured, and to thrive. Yet, beneath the surface of prestigious institutions and Greek letter organizations, a darker, more insidious reality often lurks: hazing.

Hazing is not just an unfortunate rite of passage; it is a dangerous, often criminal act that leaves physical and psychological scars. It disrupts lives, shatters dreams, and sometimes, it ends them. The tragic stories you hear on national news are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a systemic problem that permeates Greek life and other student organizations across the nation, including potentially at institutions where students from Warren County matriculate.

We often hear the dismissive phrases: “boys will be boys,” “it’s just tradition,” or “they consented.” These are lies. These are excuses designed to protect organizations and perpetuate a cycle of abuse. We have seen firsthand the devastating impact of these so-called “traditions” and we are here to tell families in Warren County that consent is never a defense against criminal behavior. Your child cannot consent to being assaulted, tortured, or recklessly endangered.

The hazing crisis is real, and it touches every corner of the country. For families in Warren County, understanding the scale of this problem and knowing that you have powerful advocates fighting on your behalf is the first step towards justice. We are not just lawyers; we are relentless champions for hazing victims, ready to take on the most powerful institutions and hold every responsible party accountable.

The Landmark Case That Defines Our Fight: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston

Warren County families, listen closely: What you are about to read happened just weeks ago at a major university, at the hands of a national fraternity with chapters across America. This is not a story from a bygone era; this is how hazing looks today. This is why we fight, and this is the aggressive, unyielding representation we will bring to your hazing case in Warren County.

The case is Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al., a $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney911 in Harris County Civil District Court just this November 2025. This case is not merely “another case”; it is the living proof of our commitment to hazing victims, and it sends an undeniable message to every fraternity, university, and individual who thinks they can inflict abuse with impunity.

The Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez wasn’t even a full-fledged University of Houston student when he was subjected to weeks of systematic torture. He was a “ghost rush,” a prospective member planning to transfer to UH for the upcoming spring semester. They did this to someone who hadn’t even officially become their student. He just wanted to make friends, to find a sense of belonging at his new university. What he found instead was weeks of terror that left him fighting for his life in a hospital bed.

The Hazing Timeline (Fall 2025): A Descent into Abuse

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. This should have been a moment of excitement and welcome.

• September 16 – November 3, 2025: For seven weeks, what followed was not brotherhood, but a calculated regime of hazing, abuse, and degradation.

  • He was forced to wear a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, a constant reminder of his humiliation.
  • He endured enforced dress codes, mandatory study hours, and weekly interviews, all under the threat of physical punishment or expulsion if he failed to comply.
  • He was subjected to sleep deprivation, forced to drive fraternity members at all hours of the night and early morning, leading to extreme exhaustion.
  • Just weeks before his own hospitalization, on October 13, 2025, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object forced into his mouth for over an hour.
  • On October 15, 2025, a pledge lost consciousness and collapsed during a forced workout. Other pledges had to elevate his legs until he recovered. This wasn’t an isolated incident; his tormentors continued.
  • Over multiple occasions, Leonel was waterboarded with a garden hose, a simulation of drowning that is internationally recognized as torture.
  • He was forced to consume large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, only to be then forced to run sprints while clearly in physical distress, and made to lie in vomit-soaked grass.
  • He was stripped to his underwear in cold weather, enduring physical and psychological exposure.
  • He was struck with wooden paddles. Let’s be clear: this is assault.

• November 3, 2025 (The Breaking Point): As punishment for missing an event, Leonel was forced into an extreme workout.

  • This included 100+ pushups, 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (running drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, two-mile warmups, and repeated 100-yard crawls.
  • He was forced to recite the fraternity creed while enduring this physical torment.
  • He was threatened with immediate expulsion if he stopped. He pushed himself “past the point of physical exhaustion” until he “could not stand without help.”
  • As Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13: “When he finally made it home, he crawled up the stairs and went to bed. The next day, he was really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse, and the next day, his mom rushed him to the hospital, and he had some kidney failure.”

• November 6-10, 2025: Leonel was rushed to the hospital after his mother observed him passing brown urine, a critical sign of acute muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring three nights and four days of intensive hospitalization. The doctors noted his very high creatine kinase levels, confirming the extensive muscle damage.

• November 14, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters, recognizing the severity and likely litigation, officially closed its Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston. This closure, acknowledged on their own website, came seven days before our lawsuit was filed. They knew what was coming.

• November 21, 2025: Attorney911 officially filed the $10 million lawsuit in Harris County. Media outlets like ABC13, KHOU 11, the Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media immediately picked up the story, exposing the horrific details.

The Medical Devastation: Rhabdomyolysis

Leonel Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition where damaged muscle tissue releases proteins into the bloodstream that can overwhelm and destroy the kidneys. It’s life-threatening and can cause permanent damage. His brown urine, excruciating muscle pain, and inability to walk or stand were all classic symptoms. While he survived, he faces ongoing risks of chronic kidney disease, and potentially even dialysis or a kidney transplant down the line. We have successfully litigated such rhabdomyolysis hazing cases before, armed with the specific expertise needed to expose the long-term medical impact.

Institutional Responses: An Admission of Guilt

• Pi Kappa Phi National: Their public statement, released the same day our lawsuit hit the news, announced the chapter’s closure due to “violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards.” This is a clear admission of wrongdoing. They also absurdly state, “we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.” Their lack of remorse is palpable.
• University of Houston: A UH spokesperson confirmed the events were “deeply disturbing” and a “clear violation of our community standards,” noting an ongoing investigation and “potential criminal charges.” These statements from the defendants themselves underpin the severity of the hazing and the institutional acknowledgment of failure.

Why This Case Matters to Families in Warren County:

1. A Warning Signal: The same national fraternities that operate in Texas have chapters across universities where students from Warren County attend. Pi Kappa Phi, for example, boasts over 150 chapters nationwide. The brutal “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez could easily be happening right now at a university near Warren County, whether at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, The College of New Jersey in Ewing, or institutions further away.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this torture occurred. Universities near Warren County have a similar duty to protect their students and are liable when they fail to do so. They cannot claim ignorance or abdicate responsibility.
3. National Organizations Know: Pi Kappa Phi National’s swift closure of the chapter proves they knew wrongdoing occurred. This demonstrates a pattern of negligence by national headquarters who should, but fail to, oversee their local chapters.
4. $10 Million Sends a Message: Our lawsuit seeks $10 million – a figure supported by precedent-setting hazing cases across the country. This sends an unmistakable message that this level of abuse will not be tolerated. Warren County families deserve to send the same message.

As Lupe Pena stated to ABC13, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We are actively fighting this battle. We are holding every responsible entity accountable for what they did to Leonel. And we are ready to do the same for your family in Warren County.

We are not theoretical. We are not hypothetical. We are not “someday we hope to handle hazing cases.” We are actively fighting right now in Harris County Civil District Court, and we are ready to fight across New Jersey and the nation.

What Hazing Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents in Warren County, the word “hazing” might bring to mind harmless pranks or mild inconveniences from movies. But the reality is far more sinister, a brutal regime of psychological manipulation, physical abuse, and often sexual degradation designed to strip away individuality and break down a new member. It is not about building character; it is about breaking spirits.

We want to shatter any misconceptions for families in Warren County. Hazing is not “boys being boys” or innocent bonding. It is illegal, often criminal, and extremely dangerous. It is systematic abuse that can lead to severe injury, life-altering psychological trauma, and even death.

Based on our current litigation in the Bermudez case and countless other incidents across the country, here’s what hazing actually entails:

1. Physical Abuse & Brutality:
This is far beyond push-ups. We’re talking about direct physical violence and forced physical acts that push the body to its absolute limits:

• Beatings and Paddling: As alleged in our Pi Kappa Phi case, pledges were struck with wooden paddles. This is assault and battery, pure and simple.
• Extreme Calisthenics to Exhaustion: Forcing individuals to perform hundreds of push-ups, squats, bear crawls, and running drills like “suicides” until their muscles literally break down (as seen in Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis) is not exercise; it’s torture.
• Branding and Burning: Using hot objects or chemicals to permanently scar members.
• Exposure: Forcing individuals into extreme cold (like being stripped in freezing temperatures, as alleged in our case) or heat, often for prolonged periods.
• Sleep Deprivation: Systematically denying new members adequate sleep, forcing them to perform tasks or drive at all hours, leading to disorientation, physical collapse, and impaired judgment.

2. Forced Consumption:
One of the most common and deadly forms of hazing involves forcing pledges to consume dangerous substances:

• Alcohol Poisoning: The most frequent cause of hazing deaths. Pledges are often forced to “chug” large quantities of hard liquor in short periods, exceeding their body’s capacity to process it. The Max Gruver case (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, $6.1 million verdict) involved a “Bible Study” where wrong answers meant more forced drinking, leading to a fatal BAC of 0.495. The Andrew Coffey case (FSU, Pi Kappa Phi, $10M+ settlement equivalent) involved forcing a pledge to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon, resulting in death.
• Eating Until Vomiting: Forcing consumption of excessive or disgusting foods (like the milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns in our current case) until the pledge vomits, then often punishing them for doing so or forcing them to remain in their own vomit.
• Non-Food Substances: Making pledges eat or drink non-edible items, or liquids combined with unsafe substances.

3. Psychological and Emotional Torture:
Hazing aims to break down self-esteem and create absolute obedience through fear and humiliation:

• Humiliation and Degradation: Forcing pledges to wear degrading outfits, perform embarrassing acts, or carry humiliating items (like the “fanny pack with sexual objects” in our case).
• Verbal Abuse and Threats: Constant yelling, insults, threats of physical harm, or social ostracism.
• Isolation and Exclusion: Deliberately isolating new members from friends and family, and creating an environment where they are utterly dependent on the fraternity/sorority.
• Hog-Tying: As seen in our Pi Kappa Phi case, another pledge was hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour. This is a severe act of humiliation and false imprisonment.
• Simulated Waterboarding: As alleged in the Bermudez case, pledges were sprayed in the face with a garden hose while doing calisthenics. This simulates drowning and is recognized as torture. The psychological impact of thinking you are drowning is immense and lasting.

4. Sexual Abuse and Exploitation:
Hazing too often veers into sexual violence, degradation, and exploitation:

• Forced Nudity: Making pledges appear naked or perform sexual acts.
• Sexual Harassment: Offensive comments, unwelcome touching, and other forms of sexual harassment.
• Sexual Assault: Sadly, hazing environments can escalate to full sexual assault, leaving victims with profound trauma.

5. Servitude and Forced Labor:
Pledges are often treated as slaves, forced to perform endless tasks for active members:

• Chauffeur Services: Driving members around day and night, leading to sleep deprivation.
• Cleaning and Errands: Performing endless cleaning duties or running personal errands for active members.

The Medical Consequences Extend Beyond Physical Harm:
While physical injuries like rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, burns, and alcohol poisoning are devastating, the psychological impact is often just as severe:

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety.
• Anxiety and Depression: Lasting mood disorders, panic attacks.
• Suicidal Ideation: The overwhelming despair can lead to thoughts of self-harm.
• Academic Decline: Inability to focus, perform in school.
• Social Withdrawal: Difficulty trusting others, isolation.
• Substance Abuse: Self-medication to cope with trauma.

For families across Warren County, it is vital to understand that this is the brutal reality of hazing today. It is a calculated, dangerous process masquerading as tradition. But when a child from Warren County is subjected to this abuse, it is a crime, and the perpetrators and enablers must be held accountable. We are here to ensure that happens.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable

When a child from Warren County is subjected to the horrors of hazing, the instinct might be to blame a few rogue students. But our experience in hazing litigation, including our ongoing $10 million lawsuit, has shown us that responsibility extends far beyond the individual perpetrators. It reaches up through the chain of command, implicating the local chapter, the wealthy national organization, and the very university that is supposed to protect its students.

We refuse to let anyone off the hook. Here’s who we target and why:

1. The Individual Perpetrators:

• Who They Are: This includes the active fraternity or sorority members who directly inflict hazing, the chapter officers (like the president, pledgemaster, and risk manager) who organize and oversee it, and even former members and their spouses who host hazing events (as named in our Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit).
• Why They’re Liable: These individuals directly commit assault, battery, false imprisonment, and other criminal acts. They are personally responsible for the harm they cause. As seen in the Stone Foltz case, a chapter president was held personally liable for a $6.5 million judgment. We will uncover and sue every single person involved.

2. The Local Chapter of the Fraternity or Sorority:

• Who They Are: The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, for example, which directly organized and carried out the hazing in the Bermudez case.
• Why They’re Liable: The chapter, as an entity, is responsible for the collective actions of its members during hazing activities. They often develop a culture where hazing is normalized and expected. They fail to protect pledges and actively participate in breaking the law.

3. The National Fraternity or Sorority Organization:

• Who They Are: These are the large, often wealthy, organizations with “more than 150 chapters across America,” as Pi Kappa Phi’s website states. They have national headquarters, paid staff, vast assets, and extensive insurance policies. These centralized entities claim to set rules, offer guidance, and mandate anti-hazing policies for all their chapters.
• Why They’re Liable: National organizations almost invariably knew or should have known about hazing occurring within their chapters. They often have a documented history of hazing incidents (Pi Kappa Phi had Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017, for instance). Their failure to adequately supervise, enforce anti-hazing policies, and intervene to correct dangerous chapter cultures constitutes negligence. They provide the framework and the “brand” under which hazing persists. When they close a chapter immediately after a severe hazing incident (as Pi Kappa Phi did with the UH chapter), it’s a clear admission against interest, showing they knew the conduct was wrong.

4. The Housing Corporation:

• Who They Are: Often a separate legal entity, typically comprised of alumni, that owns or manages the fraternity or sorority house where hazing often takes place. This was the Beta Nu Housing Corporation in our active lawsuit.
• Why They’re Liable: As property owners or managers, they have a duty to ensure the safety of their premises. If they knew or should have known hazing was occurring in their property, and failed to prevent it, they are liable under premises liability laws. They often collect rent and manage property while turning a blind eye to illegal activities within.

5. The University or College:

• Who They Are: The educational institution your child attends, which has a duty to provide a safe learning environment. In our pending case, this is the University of Houston and its Board of Regents.
• Why They’re Liable: Universities have a profound responsibility to protect their students. They are liable when:
  • They owned the property where hazing occurred (as UH owned the Pi Kappa Phi house in our current case). This creates undeniable premises liability.
  • They knew or should have known about systemic hazing problems on campus (UH had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017). Their failure to act after prior incidents constitutes gross negligence.
  • They failed to adequately supervise Greek life organizations, despite having the authority to do so.
  • They failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, or had inadequate policies to begin with.
  • They fostered a culture where Greek organizations felt unchecked.
  • They engaged in institutional cover-ups or downplayed incidents to protect their reputation.

6. Their Insurance Carriers:

• Who They Are: Behind every organization, there are insurance companies. These are the “deep pockets” that ultimately pay large settlements and verdicts.
• Why They’re Liable: Insurance policies held by the national fraternity, the university, the housing corporation, and even individual members (homeowner’s or renter’s insurance) are critical sources of recovery. As former insurance defense attorneys, both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena know exactly how to identify these policies, interpret their coverage, and dismantle the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying.

For families in Warren County, understanding this complex web of liability is crucial. We bring aggressive litigation against every single one of these entities. We don’t just sue the kids; we sue the organizations, the universities, and the individuals who enable the abuse. We force them to confront the devastating consequences of their negligence, and we make them pay.

What These Cases Win: A Path to Justice and Accountability

When a family in Warren County reaches out to us after a hazing incident, one of their primary questions is often, “What is justice truly going to look like?” Beyond the emotional healing, physical recovery, and the desire to prevent future tragedies, justice often means financial compensation for the life-altering damages incurred. Our track record, and the landscape of hazing litigation nationwide, proves that these cases can and do result in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These are not mere payouts; they are a powerful deterrent, forcing institutions to finally take hazing seriously.

The message to hazing organizations, universities, and their insurance companies is clear: Hazing is expensive. We have the receipts. And these same results are possible for victims in Warren County.

Let’s look at recent landmark cases that illustrate the financial accountability we pursue:

1. Stone Foltz — Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10.1 Million+

• What Happened: Stone Foltz, an 20-year-old pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event.
• The Outcome: The university settled for $2.9 million, and Pi Kappa Alpha and various individuals settled for $7.2 million, bringing the total to over $10.1 million. In December 2024, the chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million in a judgment.
• Relevance to Warren County: This case sets a benchmark. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this precedent, even for cases of severe injury that don’t result in death. It proves that both universities and national fraternities are financially liable. It also highlights that individuals, like the hazers your child from Warren County might have encountered, can face massive personal judgments.

2. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1 Million Jury Verdict

• What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a Phi Delta Theta “Bible Study” event where he was punished for incorrect answers by more drinking.
• The Outcome: A jury awarded his family $6.1 million. One fraternity member was convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to prison. The tragedy spurred the creation of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.
• Relevance to Warren County: This case shows that juries, when presented with the horrific facts of hazing, will deliver substantial verdicts. If defendants refuse to settle fairly, we are fully prepared to take hazing cases to trial, knowing that juries are often outraged by this conduct. It also demonstrates how hazing cases can drive significant legislative change, potentially impacting laws in New Jersey.

3. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi (2017): $110 Million+ (Estimated Settlements)

• What Happened: Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died from a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding after being forced to consume 18 drinks in 82 minutes during a Beta Theta Pi event. He fell repeatedly down stairs, and fraternity members waited 12 hours before calling 911. Security cameras captured the entire agonizing sequence.
• The Outcome: The various settlements reached are estimated to exceed $110 million. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, with some convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
• Relevance to Warren County: This monumental case underscores that when evidence is strong and the conduct is egregious (as it is in our Bermudez case with waterboarding and extreme physical abuse), the financial consequences for responsible parties can be astronomical. It proves the value of meticulous evidence collection, something we emphasize for every family in Warren County.

4. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University / Delta Chi (2021): $4 Million+ Settlement

• What Happened: Adam Oakes, a 19-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning during an off-campus Delta Chi hazing ritual.
• The Outcome: His family filed a $28 million lawsuit, which settled in October 2024 for over $4 million ($2.5 million cash, plus a substantial donation to their foundation). Six fraternity members faced criminal charges. This case led to “Adam’s Law” in Virginia.
• Relevance to Warren County: Further evidence of multi-million dollar recoveries for hazing deaths, and how initial demands can be much higher than eventual settlements, showcasing the firm’s experience in valuing hazing claims.

5. Andrew Coffey — Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Confidential Settlement

• What Happened: Tragically, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.”
• The Outcome: Nine fraternity members were charged with hazing, and the chapter was permanently closed. A civil suit resulted in a confidential settlement for his family.
• Relevance to Warren County: This is critical. This incident involved the same national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, that we are currently suing in the Bermudez case. This clearly establishes a documented history for Pi Kappa Phi National, proving they had actual notice of deadly hazing within their organization eight years before Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized. This pattern of negligence strengthens our ability to pursue punitive damages.

What These Precedents Mean for Your Family in Warren County:

• Our $10 Million Demand is Realistic: The figures from these cases affirm that the $10 million we are seeking in the Bermudez case is not arbitrary but rooted in established legal precedent for severe hazing injuries and deaths.
• Universities and National Fraternities WILL Pay: These cases demonstrate that both the educational institutions and the national Greek organizations face massive financial liability. It’s not just “broke college kids” on the hook; it’s the deep pockets behind them.
• Juries Hate Hazing: The Max Gruver verdict shows how outraged juries can be by this conduct, often leading to significant awards.
• Criminal and Civil Accountability Go Hand-in-Hand: Many civil cases run alongside criminal investigations, intensifying the pressure on defendants.
• Your Case Can Drive Change: Just as the Piazza, Gruver, and Oakes families spurred new laws, your case from Warren County could help prevent this from happening to another child.

There are also other recent cases. For instance, in November 2025, the same week we filed the Bermudez lawsuit in Houston, a wrongful death lawsuit was also filed against Sigma Chi at the University of Texas at Austin for “horrific abuse” leading to a freshman’s death by suicide. This underscores that hazing is a pervasive and ongoing crisis, and that the kind of aggressive legal action we’re taking is happening across Texas and the nation right now.

When you choose Attorney911, you’re choosing a firm that understands these precedents inside and out, uses them to leverage your case, and is prepared to fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for victims of hazing in Warren County.

Your Protections Under the Law: New Jersey Hazing Laws and Civil Rights

For families in Warren County, understanding the legal framework that protects victims of hazing is paramount. While our firm is based in Texas and heavily involved with Texas hazing law, it’s crucial to know that similar anti-hazing statutes exist in New Jersey and most other states, providing a robust legal foundation for our actions. Furthermore, our federal court authority allows us to pursue cases regardless of where the hazing occurred, including anywhere in Warren County, New Jersey.

New Jersey’s Anti-Hazing Law (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-10):

New Jersey, like most states, has a comprehensive anti-hazing statute designed to deter and punish hazing acts. Here’s a breakdown of its key provisions and how they apply to victims from Warren County:

1. Definition of Hazing: New Jersey’s law defines hazing as any action or intention which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization. This definition is broad and covers the physical abuse, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, and psychological torture seen in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s. Whether done on or off campus, any act that endangers mental or physical health counts.

2. Criminal Penalties:

   • Disorderly Persons Offense: Basic hazing is typically a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. However, this is not merely a slap on the wrist.
   • Fourth Degree Crime: If hazing results in bodily injury, it elevates to a crime of the fourth degree. This carries more significant penalties, including potential jail time and substantial fines.
   • Third Degree Crime: If hazing results in serious bodily injury, it becomes a crime of the third degree. This is a severe criminal offense, carrying potential state prison sentences. Conditions like Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure would undoubtedly constitute “serious bodily injury” under New Jersey law, leading to felony-level charges for the perpetrators.

3. Organizational Liability: New Jersey law also extends liability to organizations. An organization that knowingly permits, encourages, or condones hazing can face penalties, including fines and loss of recognition. This means universities and national fraternities/sororities can be held directly responsible.

4. Consent is NOT a Defense: Just like in Texas, New Jersey’s hazing law explicitly states that a victim’s consent to the hazing is not a defense to prosecution. This vital clause shuts down the common defense argument that “they knew what they were signing up for.” You cannot consent to criminal activity. This legal clarity strengthens a victim’s hand in both criminal and civil proceedings against hazers in Warren County.

Beyond State Hazing Laws: Civil Liability Pathways

Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in acquittal, victims from Warren County have powerful civil pathways to seek justice and compensation. We pursue actions under various legal theories:

1. Negligence Claims: This is the bedrock of many personal injury cases. We will prove that universities, national organizations, and even individuals had a “duty of care” to protect students, that they “breached” that duty through their actions or inactions (e.g., failure to supervise, enforce policies, or stop hazing), that this breach “caused” your child’s injuries, and that your child suffered “damages” as a result. This applies universally across the country.
2. Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by the university (like the UH-owned fraternity house in our Bermudez case) or a housing corporation, these entities have a duty to maintain a safe environment. Their failure to do so, especially when they knew or should have known about hazing, makes them liable. This is highly relevant for fraternity and sorority houses in New Jersey.
3. Negligent Supervision: This theory holds that national organizations and universities are responsible for supervising their local chapters and student organizations. If they fail to provide adequate oversight, training, or intervention, and hazing results, they are liable for their negligence.
4. Assault and Battery: Every physical act of hazing – from paddling and forced exercise to waterboarding – constitutes assault and battery. The individual perpetrators are personally liable for these intentional torts.
5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): The psychological torment of hazing can be so severe (as it was for Leonel Bermudez and thousands of others) that it meets the legal standard for IIED. This requires proving the conduct was outrageous, intentional or reckless, and caused severe emotional distress.
6. Vicarious Liability: This doctrine allows us to hold national organizations and universities accountable for the actions of their members or employees. Essentially, the larger organization is responsible for the torts committed by its agents within the scope of their relationship.

Leveraging Federal Civil Rights Claims:
In some instances, hazing may implicate federal civil rights statutes, particularly if there’s a pattern of discrimination or if the conduct rises to a certain level of governmental negligence (if the university is a state institution). Our admission to federal courts across the country means we are uniquely positioned to pursue these complex federal claims when applicable to your child’s case from Warren County.

Why This Legal Framework Empowers Victims in Warren County:
This comprehensive legal framework ensures that hazing victims and their families in Warren County are not powerless. It provides multiple avenues to hold every culpable party accountable – from the students directly involved to the highest levels of university administration and national Greek life leadership. We know these laws intimately, and we know how to use them to devastating effect in the pursuit of justice for your child.

Why Attorney911 Is the Choice for Warren County’s Hazing Victims

When your family in Warren County is facing the aftermath of a devastating hazing incident, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who understands the intricate legal landscape, the cultural nuances of Greek life, and the brutal tactics of institutions trying to evade responsibility. Attorney911 is that advocate. We are not just another personal injury firm; we are specialized hazing litigation experts, and we bring a unique arsenal of experience, insight, and dedication to every case, including yours in Warren County.

Here’s why families from Warren County choose Attorney911:

1. We Are Actively Fighting This Fight – Right Now: We are not theoretically equipped to handle hazing cases; we are doing it. Our $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for the horrific hazing of Leonel Bermudez is not just our flagship case; it’s our ongoing mission. We are in Harris County Civil District Court right now, holding defendants accountable for waterboarding, forced physical exertion, and institutional negligence. We bring the same aggressive, data-driven strategy directly to your case in Warren County. This isn’t mock litigation; it’s real, live combat.

2. Unparalleled Insider Knowledge: Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Both our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, and Associate Attorney Lupe Peña, began their careers defending insurance companies and corporations. This is an “unfair advantage” for our clients. Lupe Peña, in particular, worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a national insurance defense firm.

   • What this means for your Warren County family: We know their playbook. We understand how they value claims, strategize defenses, delay payouts, and attempt to intimidate victims. We anticipate their every move because we used to make those moves ourselves. This insider perspective allows us to dismantle their defenses and maximize your compensation. Ralph and Lupe have seen behind the curtain, and now they use that knowledge exclusively for hazing victims like your child from Warren County.

3. Battle-Tested Courtroom Experience: 37+ Years Combined:

   • Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of courtroom experience, including complex, high-stakes litigation like the multi-billion-dollar BP Texas City explosion mass tort. This experience against massive corporate defendants is exactly what is needed to take on national fraternities and universities in Warren County. His journalism background also ensures your child’s story is told compellingly in court.
   • Lupe Peña adds over 12 years of litigation to our firm, focusing on wrongful death, dram shop, and catastrophic injury cases, often involving powerful corporate defendants. His “outwork, outsmart, outfight” philosophy means tenacious advocacy for your family in Warren County.
   • What this means for your Warren County family: We are not afraid to go to trial. While many hazing cases settle, we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury. This readiness to fight in court often compels defendants to offer fairer settlements, knowing they face formidable opposition.

4. Federal Court Admissions & Dual-State Bar Licenses:

   • Both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, granting us authority to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction across the country. Ralph also holds a New York State Bar license, alongside his Texas license.
   • What this means for your Warren County family: Hazing cases often involve national fraternities headquartered in other states, or universities that operate across state lines. Our federal authority and dual-state licensure provide a strategic advantage, allowing us to pursue these powerful national entities regardless of their location, including for cases originating in Warren County. We aren’t limited by state lines.

5. Hazing-Specific Expertise and Data-Driven Approach:

   • Ralph Manginello has direct experience with fraternity litigation, rhabdomyolysis cases, and university accountability. Our comprehensive Texas Hazing Intelligence Database tracks over 1,400 Greek organizations, their corporate structures, EINs, and incident histories.
   • What this means for your Warren County family: We don’t guess who is responsible; we know. We identify every liable entity, from the local chapter to the national headquarters and their numerous housing corporations. When your child is hazed at a university attended by students from Warren County, we use hard data to build an unassailable case, establishing patterns of negligence and prior knowledge.

6. Compassionate, Parent-Facing Approach (Se Habla Español):

   • We know your family is hurting. Our approach is empathetic, warm, and direct. We speak to parents, not just about legal documents. Ralph, a father of three, understands what is at stake. Lupe, a third-generation Texan who is fluent in Spanish, ensures that language is never a barrier to justice for Hispanic families in Warren County.
   • What this means for your Warren County family: You will always be treated with respect and understanding. We will explain complex legal processes in plain English, and for our Spanish-speaking clients, in their native language. We become your trusted ally during one of the most difficult times imaginable.

7. Contingency Fees: No Upfront Cost to Your Warren County Family:

   • We understand the financial strain you may be under. That’s why we take all hazing cases on contingency.
   • What this means for your Warren County family: You pay absolutely $0 upfront. We cover all litigation costs. We only get paid if and when we win your case. This levels the playing field, allowing families in Warren County to fight powerful institutions without financial risk.

8. Willingness to Travel & Remote Consultations:

   • While our headquarters are in Houston, with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, distance is not a barrier to justice. We regularly conduct video consultations for families across the country, including those in Warren County. For critical depositions, client meetings, or trials, we will travel to Warren County to ensure your case receives the personalized attention it deserves.
   • What this means for your Warren County family: You get access to leading hazing litigation experts, regardless of the physical distance. Our commitment is to justice, wherever it leads us.

Don’t Let Them Get Away With It. Universities and fraternities will try to silence you, deny responsibility, and protect their reputations. But when your child from Warren County is injured or killed, you deserve a firm that will fight back with unmatched fervor. Attorney911 has the experience, the knowledge, and the dedication to secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.

What To Do Right Now: Actionable Steps for Warren County Hazing Victims and Families

If your child in Warren County has been subjected to hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Panic and confusion are natural, but swift action can make all the difference in preserving evidence, protecting your child’s rights, and building a strong legal case.

We understand that you are likely scared, angry, and unsure of what to do next. That’s why we’ve outlined a clear, step-by-step guide for families in Warren County. Do not delay, as evidence can disappear quickly, and legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) can expire, potentially costing you your right to seek justice.

Immediate Action Steps for Warren County Families:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention, Document Everything:

   • Prioritize Health: Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount. If they are injured, call 911 or get to an emergency room in Warren County or wherever they are located, immediately.
   • Document Thoroughly: Explain clearly to medical professionals that the injuries resulted from hazing. Ensure that all symptoms, physical injuries (such as bruises, cuts, burns, or anything indicative of rhabdomyolysis like dark urine), and psychological distress are accurately recorded in medical records. Do not downplay anything.
   • Keep All Records: Retain every medical bill, discharge summary, doctor’s note, and prescription. This forms the backbone of your claim for damages.

2. Preserve ALL Evidence – Don’t Delete Anything:

   • Digital Communications: This is often the “smoking gun.” Get screenshots of every relevant text message, GroupMe chat, Snapchat, Instagram DM, Facebook message, or email. Do NOT delete any communications, even if you find them painful to look at. The defense will argue you destroyed evidence if anything is missing. Our video “Using Your Phone to Document Evidence” emphasizes taking more pictures than you think you need.
   • Photos and Videos: Take photos of any visible injuries your child sustained as hazing. If your child has any photos or videos of hazing activities, preserve them immediately. Document the location where hazing occurred, if possible (e.g., fraternity house, off-campus residence, park).
   • Witness Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and any contact information for other pledges, witnesses, or active members who may have seen or known about the hazing. Their testimony can be invaluable.
   • Physical Items: If any physical items were involved in the hazing (e.g., specific clothing, objects from degrading rituals, alcohol containers), preserve them if safely possible.
   • Documents: Keep any “pledge manuals,” schedules, rules, or communications given to your child by the organization.
   • Financial & Academic Records: Document any missed work (lost wages), missed classes, tuition costs for a semester potentially derailed, or academic consequences.

3. Do NOT Communicate with the Organization or University Alone:

   • No Statements: Do not allow your child (or yourself) to give any statements, written or verbal, to the fraternity or sorority leadership, the national organization, or university administration (including Title IX or Greek life offices) without legal counsel present. They are not on your side; they are gathering information to protect their institution.
   • No Signatures: Do not sign any documents, waivers, or agreements from the organization or university. You may inadvertently relinquish your child’s legal rights.
   • No Social Media Posts: Do NOT post about the incident on any social media platform. Anything you post can and will be used against you. As our video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” highlights, social media silence is golden during litigation.
   • No Confrontation: Instruct your child not to confront active members or leadership. This can escalate the situation and jeopardize your case.

4. Contact Attorney911 IMMEDIALTY for a FREE Consultation:

   • Time is Critical: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury, and even less in some other states like New Jersey depending on the specific cause of action. While your child from Warren County might have more time, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and individuals can be pressured to stay silent. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” stresses this urgency.
   • Get Our Expertise: We will review your child’s situation, determine the viability of their case, and explain their legal options. This initial consultation costs you nothing.
   • We Handle Everything: Once you hire us, we take over all communications with the fraternity, university, and their insurance companies. This protects your child from further harassment and manipulation, allowing them to focus on healing.

5. Understand Your Rights and Our Commitment:

   • No Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency fee basis. Your family in Warren County pays nothing unless we win your case.
   • Nationwide Reach: While we are based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims nationwide. Our federal court admissions and willingness to travel (or conduct remote consultations) mean we can represent your child’s case from Warren County effectively.
   • You Are Not Alone: The courage to speak out is immense. We respect the privacy of our clients, and we understand the fear of retribution. We will protect your child throughout this process.

If you are a student from Warren County who has been hazed, or a concerned parent: You have legal rights. Your child deserves justice. Do not let fear or shame prevent you from acting. Contact Attorney911 now. We are fighting this fight every single day, and we will bring our relentless commitment to your child’s case.

Engage With Us: Your First Step Towards Justice in Warren County

If your child in Warren County has been a victim of hazing, whether at a university in New Jersey or elsewhere, the time to act is now. You have been through a harrowing experience, and you deserve a powerful advocate who will stand up for your rights and secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.

We at Attorney911 are ready. We are actively fighting this battle across the nation, and we are prepared to bring that same aggressive, data-driven approach to your hazing emergency in Warren County.

Our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont serve hazing victims nationwide, including families in Warren County, New Jersey. We understand that geographical distance might seem like a barrier, but it is not. Through modern technology, remote consultations, our federal court authority, and our commitment to travel for our clients, we ensure that every family receives the expert legal representation they need.

Here’s how you can take the first step towards justice for your child from Warren County:

🚨 IMMEDIATE HELP FOR WARREN COUNTY HAZING VICTIMS:

CALL OUR LEGAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE 24/7 FOR A FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

That’s 1-888-288-9911. Our lines are open around the clock because we know legal emergencies don’t wait.

Email Us Directly:
Prefer to write? You can reach us at:
✉️ ralph@atty911.com

Visit Our Website for More Information:
Explore our expertise and learn more about how we fight for victims:
🌐 attorney911.com

What to Expect When You Contact Us:

• Free and Confidential Consultation: Your initial conversation with us is always free, with no obligation. We will listen to your story with compassion, ask critical questions, and provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options.
• No Upfront Fees (Contingency Basis): We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases. This means you will not pay us any legal fees unless we win your case. We cover all litigation costs, removing financial barriers to justice for families in Warren County.
• Expert Guidance: Our team, led by Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, will guide you through every step of the legal process, from evidence collection to negotiation and, if necessary, trial. We will explain complex legal concepts in plain language.
• Aggressive Advocacy: Once you retain us, we immediately take over all communications with the involved fraternity, university, and their insurance companies. We shield you from their tactics and ensure your rights are protected.
• Nationwide Reach: Whether your child was hazed at Rutgers, Seton Hall, another New Jersey institution, or a university in another state, we have the experience and legal authority to represent you. We conduct video consultations for your convenience and will travel to Warren County as needed for critical meetings, depositions, and trial.

Don’t let them silence you. Don’t let them sweep this under the rug. The $10 million lawsuit we are currently fighting sends a clear message: we will hold every responsible party accountable. Your decision to act now can protect not only your child but also countless other students who might be targeted by hazing.

Warren County families, you are not alone in this fight. We are your legal emergency responders. Call Attorney911 today.