Rutgers University Hazing Incident Leaves Student Critically Injured: What Legal Options Do Families Have?

A 19-year-old Rutgers University student was critically injured earlier this month after an alleged hazing ritual at the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity house in New Brunswick, New Jersey. According to multiple reports, the student was found unresponsive in the basement of the off-campus property and rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition. The national fraternity organization has since shut down the Rutgers chapter permanently, acknowledging that hazing took place.

As school injury attorneys who have represented victims of negligence on campuses across New York and beyond, we are deeply troubled by the details emerging from this case — and by the recurring pattern of preventable harm that continues to occur under the guise of fraternity “tradition.”

Understanding the Legal Implications of Hazing

Hazing is not only dangerous — it is illegal in most states, including New Jersey. State law (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-3) makes it a criminal offense to knowingly or recklessly organize, promote, or engage in activities that endanger a student’s physical or mental health as part of an initiation or membership process.

When hazing results in serious injury or death, the individuals involved — as well as the fraternity, university, and property owners — may face civil liability in addition to criminal penalties. Depending on the facts, potential claims can include:

• Negligence and negligent supervision – when those in charge fail to prevent foreseeable harm.
• Premises liability – if the injury occurred in an unsafe or code-violating building, as reports suggest in this case.
• Intentional or reckless infliction of emotional distress – if the hazing involved humiliation, coercion, or degradation.
• Vicarious liability – where the fraternity organization or university bears legal responsibility for actions of members or staff.

What Can Parents and Injured Students Legally Do?

When a hazing-related injury occurs, families often feel powerless — but there are clear legal steps they can take to protect their rights and seek justice:

1. Contact an experienced school injury attorney immediately. Time is critical to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and send formal notice to the fraternity, university, and property owners.
2. Request an independent investigation. Universities often conduct internal reviews, but victims’ families are entitled to their own expert analysis of how and why the incident occurred.
3. Document all communications and medical records. Hospital records, photographs, and witness statements will be key evidence if a civil lawsuit is filed.
4. Evaluate all responsible parties. Liability may extend beyond the fraternity members to include the national organization, the university administration, and the landlord if building conditions contributed to the harm.
5. Consider emotional and psychological damages. Victims of hazing often experience post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and other long-term consequences that are compensable under civil law.

A Preventable Tragedy — and a Call for Accountability

Reports indicate that the basement where the incident occurred had previously been cited for safety violations and declared unsafe for occupancy. Such details highlight not only the recklessness of the hazing itself but also potential systemic failures in oversight and property management.

Universities and fraternities have a duty to ensure that student housing — both on and off campus — complies with safety codes and that all student organizations follow strict anti-hazing protocols. When they fail in these responsibilities, they can and should be held accountable.

Legal Help for Hazing and School Injury Victims

If your child was injured in a hazing incident, school-related accident, or unsafe student housing, you have legal rights. The school injury attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf represent students and families in cases involving serious injury, wrongful death, and institutional negligence.

Our attorneys have secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in New York and the region for victims of catastrophic injury. We are committed to holding schools, fraternities, and property owners accountable when preventable harm occurs.

Call 212-943-1090 for a free, confidential consultation with a trial attorney experienced in campus and school injury cases.