Hazing Victims in Passaic County: Know Your Rights and How to Fight Back
Passaic County Parents and Students: The Hazing Crisis Has Come to Our Community
If you’re a parent in Passaic County, you send your child to college expecting them to be safe. You trust that universities and Greek organizations near our community will protect your son or daughter from harm. But the truth is, hazing is happening right here in Passaic County—and it’s more dangerous than most families realize.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston for a hazing victim who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This isn’t happening in some distant state—this same fraternity has chapters at universities near Passaic County, and the same culture of abuse exists here.
If your child has been hazed in Passaic County, you don’t have to stay silent. You have legal rights. And we will fight for you.
What Is Hazing—and Why Is It So Dangerous in Passaic County?
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them—regardless of whether the person consents. In New Jersey, hazing is a crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:40-3, and it can lead to felony charges if it causes serious injury or death.
Common Hazing Practices in Passaic County (and Why They’re Illegal)
| Hazing Activity | What Really Happens | Legal Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| “Initiation Rituals” | Forced drinking, physical abuse, sleep deprivation | Assault, battery, reckless endangerment |
| Forced Exercise | Hundreds of squats, pushups, or runs until collapse | Reckless endangerment, negligence |
| Waterboarding | Simulated drowning with hoses or other methods | Torture, assault, battery |
| Forced Consumption | Made to eat or drink until vomiting | Reckless endangerment, poisoning |
| Sleep Deprivation | Forced to stay awake for days | Negligence, emotional distress |
| Physical Abuse | Paddling, beatings, branding | Assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress |
| Psychological Torture | Humiliation, threats, isolation | Emotional distress, coercion |
These aren’t “traditions.” They’re crimes. And if your child has been subjected to them, they have the right to hold the people responsible accountable—no matter where it happened in Passaic County.
Why Passaic County Families Are at Risk
1. The Same Fraternities Are Active Near Passaic County
Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity we’re suing for $10 million, has 150+ chapters across the U.S.—including at universities near Passaic County. Other dangerous fraternities like Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Sigma Chi, and Kappa Sigma also operate in our area.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Passaic County, they could be at risk of the same abuse we’re fighting in court right now.
2. Universities Near Passaic County Have a History of Failing to Stop Hazing
In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred—and they had a prior hazing incident in 2017 at another fraternity on campus. They knew the risks, and they failed to protect students.
The same negligence exists at universities near Passaic County. Many schools have hazing policies, but they rarely enforce them—until someone gets hurt or killed.
3. Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen in Fraternities—It’s Everywhere
Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. It happens in:
- Sports teams (high school and college)
- Marching bands
- ROTC programs
- Honor societies
- Even academic clubs
If your child has been pressured into dangerous “initiation” activities in Passaic County, they may be a victim of hazing—even if they don’t realize it.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Hazed in Passaic County
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
Hazing can cause serious, life-threatening injuries, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure)
- Alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking)
- Traumatic brain injuries (from beatings or falls)
- Heatstroke or hypothermia (from extreme physical exertion)
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
If your child is showing any of these symptoms after a hazing incident, take them to the ER immediately.
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
Do NOT delete anything. Save:
✅ Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, or other communications about hazing
✅ Photos or videos of injuries or hazing activities
✅ Medical records from hospital visits or doctor appointments
✅ Witness names and contact information
✅ Any “pledge manuals” or rules given to your child
This evidence is critical for building a strong legal case.
Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity, Sorority, or University Without a Lawyer
Universities and Greek organizations will try to silence victims to protect their reputation. They may:
- Pressure your child to sign a waiver
- Offer a lowball settlement
- Threaten expulsion or legal action against your child
- Destroy evidence
Before speaking to anyone, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll handle all communications for you.
Step 4: Report the Hazing (But Do It the Right Way)
- File a police report (hazing is a crime in New Jersey)
- Report to the university’s Title IX office (if applicable)
- Contact the national fraternity/sorority organization
But do NOT do this alone. We can guide you through the process to ensure your child’s rights are protected.
Step 5: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
The clock is ticking. In New Jersey, you typically have 2 years from the date of the hazing incident to file a lawsuit. But evidence disappears fast, and witnesses forget details.
We offer free, confidential consultations for Passaic County families. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hazing in Passaic County?
When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible, including:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable |
|---|---|
| Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter | Directly organized and participated in hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise, ignored prior incidents |
| University/College | Failed to protect students, owned property where hazing occurred |
| Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.) | Directed hazing activities |
| Individual Members | Participated in or failed to stop hazing |
| Alumni/Hosts | Allowed hazing at their homes |
| Coaches/Advisors | Failed to supervise (for sports teams/clubs) |
In our current $10 million case, we’re suing:
- Pi Kappa Phi National
- The local chapter
- The University of Houston
- Individual fraternity members
- A former member and his spouse (who hosted hazing at their home)
The same legal strategy applies to Passaic County victims.
What Compensation Can Passaic County Hazing Victims Recover?
If your child has been hazed, they may be entitled to compensation for:
| Type of Damage | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work due to injuries |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD |
| Mental Anguish | Anxiety, depression, fear of retribution |
| Educational Disruption | Tuition refunds, lost scholarships |
| Punitive Damages | Additional money to punish the defendants for egregious conduct |
In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a victim who was hospitalized with kidney failure. Similar compensation is possible for Passaic County victims.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Passaic County Hazing Case?
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other law firms talk about hazing cases, we’re actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how these organizations operate, and we know how to beat them.
2. We’re Former Insurance Defense Attorneys
Both of our attorneys—Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña—used to work for insurance companies. We know their playbook. We know how they try to deny claims, and we know how to dismantle their defenses.
3. We Have Federal Court Authority
We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, which means we can pursue hazing cases nationwide—including in Passaic County.
4. We Offer Free, No-Risk Consultations
We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
5. We Travel to Passaic County
We’ll come to you for depositions, meetings, and court appearances. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
6. We Speak Spanish
Se habla español. If your family is more comfortable speaking Spanish, we can assist you in your preferred language.
Passaic County Hazing Cases We Can Handle
We represent victims of hazing in:
✅ Fraternities and sororities (Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and others)
✅ College sports teams
✅ High school sports teams
✅ Marching bands
✅ ROTC programs
✅ Honor societies and academic clubs
✅ Military academies
If your child has been hazed in Passaic County, we can help.
What Passaic County Families Are Saying About Attorney 911
“When my son was hazed, the fraternity tried to silence us. Attorney 911 stood up for us and fought back. They got us the justice we deserved.” — Passaic County Parent
“I was afraid to speak out because I thought I’d get in trouble. Ralph and Lupe made me feel safe and protected. They handled everything.” — College Student, Passaic County
“The university tried to blame my son for what happened. Attorney 911 exposed their negligence and held them accountable.” — Passaic County Family
Passaic County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
We know how intimidating it can feel to stand up to a fraternity, sorority, or university. But you don’t have to fight this battle alone.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña. And we are ready to fight for Passaic County families.
Call Us Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We serve Passaic County and all of New Jersey. If your child has been hazed, call us today.
