New Jersey Law of Personal Injury with the Model Jury Charges

Table of Contents

Chapter 1
Negligence and Duty—General Concept                                                                          1

1-1        WHAT IS NEGLIGENCE?............................................................................... 1

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.10A..................................................................................... 2

NEGLIGENCE AND ORDINARY CARE—GENERAL (Approved before 1984)

1-2        EXISTENCE OF A DUTY—A MATTER OF LAW...................................... 3

1-3        FORESEEABILITY AS A FACTOR FOR THE JURY
TO CONSIDER................................................................................................... 5

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.10B..................................................................................... 6

FORESEEABILITY (AS AFFECTING NEGLIGENCE) (Approved before 1984)

1-4        ASSUMPTION OF RISK CONCEPT DISCARDED..................................... 7

1-5        PLAINTIFF’S BURDEN OF PROOF—PREPONDERANCE
OF EVIDENCE ................................................................................................... 7

Model Civil Jury Charge 1.12(G), (H), (I).................................................................... 9

GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR STANDARD CHARGE (Approved 11/98)

1-6        NET Opinions AnD RES IPSA LOQUITUR—THE THING
SPEAKS FOR ITSELF..................................................................................... 10

1-6:1....... Requirements Necessary to Invoke Res Ipsa           13

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.10D.................................................................................. 14

RES IPSA LOQUITUR (Approved 10/90)

1-7        ACTS OF GOD.................................................................................................. 16

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.10E................................................................................... 17

ACT OF GOD (Approved before 1984)

1-8        SUDDEN EMERGENCY CLAIMS............................................................... 18

1-9        PARENTAL IMMUNITY AND ITS EXCEPTIONS.................................. 19

1-10      DUTIES VOLUNTARILY ASSUMED......................................................... 20

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.10C.................................................................................. 20

UNDERTAKING VOLUNTARILY ASSUMED (Approved before 1984)

1-11      PER SE NEGLIGENCE................................................................................... 21

EVIDENCE OF AND PER SE NEGLIGENCE (04/2016)......................................... 21

1-12      GROSS NEGLIGENCE................................................................................... 23

Chapter 2
Proximate Cause                  25

2-1        PROXIMATE CAUSE DEFINED.................................................................. 25

2-1:1....... Required Proof of Proximate Cause—Routine
Tort Case........... 26

2-1:2....... Non-Routine Tort Case—Substantial Factor Test
Where There are Concurrent Causes of Harm         27

Model Civil Jury Charge 6.10..................................................................................... 28

PROXIMATE CAUSE—GENERAL CHARGE TO BE GIVEN
IN ALL CASES (Approved 05/1998; Revised 01/2017)

Model Civil Jury Charge 6.11 .................................................................................... 29

PROXIMATE CAUSE—ROUTINE TORT CASE WHERE NO ISSUES OF
CONCURRENT OR INTERVENING CAUSES, OR FORESEEABILITY
OF INJURY OR HARM (Approved 08/99; Revised 04/16)

Model Civil Jury Charge 6.12..................................................................................... 30

PROXIMATE CAUSE—WHERE THERE IS CLAIM THAT
CONCURRENT CAUSES OF HARM WERE PRESENT (Approved 5/98)

2-2        SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE CASES....................................................... 31

2-3        INTERVENING OR SUPERSEDING CAUSES.......................................... 31

Model Civil Jury Charge 6.14..................................................................................... 32

PROXIMATE CAUSE—WHERE THERE IS CLAIM OF INTERVENING
OR SUPERSEDING CAUSE FOR JURY’S CONSIDERATION
(Approved 8/99)

2-4        PROXIMATE CAUSE AND FORESEEABILITY—DO THEY BELONG TOGETHER? 33

Model Civil Jury Charge 6.13..................................................................................... 34

PROXIMATE CAUSE—WHERE THERE IS CLAIM THAT
CONCURRENT CAUSES OF HARM ARE PRESENT AND CLAIM
THAT SPECIFIC HARM WAS NOT FORESEEABLE
(Approved 5/98)

Chapter 3
Comparative Negligence    37

3-1        BASIC STATUTORY PRINCIPLES............................................................ 37

3-1:1....... Action Against One Defendant   37

3-1:2....... Action Against More Than One Defendant              37

3-1:3....... Damage Reduction and Responsibilities   38

3-2        ULTIMATE OUTCOME—HOW THE JURY IS INSTRUCTED
IN COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE CASES ............................................. 39

Model Civil Jury Charge 7.31..................................................................................... 40

COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE/FAULT: ULTIMATE OUTCOME
(Approved 03/2000; Revised 09/2018)

Model Civil Jury Charge 7.32..................................................................................... 43

COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE: INTERROGATORIES
(Approved before 1985)

3-3        COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE IN AUTO CASES................................. 47

Model Civil Jury Charge 7.30..................................................................................... 48

COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE (AUTO)—ALL ISSUES
(Approved 6/1989; Revised 12/2011)

3-4        CHILDREN CHARGED WITH
COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE.................................................................. 52

Model Civil Jury Charge 7.11..................................................................................... 53

CARE REQUIRED OF CHILDREN (Approved 5/91)

3-5        COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE AS TO A PASSENGER
IN AN AUTO..................................................................................................... 55

Model Civil Jury Charge 7.12..................................................................................... 56

DUTY OF PASSENGER IN AUTOMOBILE (Approved 5/91)

3-6        INTOXICATION OF A PLAINTIFF
AND COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE........................................................ 57

Model Civil Jury Charge 7.13..................................................................................... 57

NEGLIGENCE—INTOXICATION (Approved 5/91)

3-7       
PHYSICAL DISABILITY OR MENTAL IMPAIRMENT
AND COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE........................................................ 58

Model Civil Jury Charge 7.14..................................................................................... 59

NEGLIGENCE—EFFECT OF PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT (Approved 5/91)

3-8        PEDESTRIANS ON A SIDEWALK
AND COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE........................................................ 59

Model Civil Jury Charge 7.15..................................................................................... 59

NEGLIGENCE—CARE REQUIRED OF PEDESTRIAN
ON SIDEWALK (Approved 5/91)

3-9        INTENTIONAL ACTS AND COMPARATIVE
NEGLIGENCE.................................................................................................. 60

Model Civil Jury Charge 7.16..................................................................................... 60

APPORTIONMENT WHERE THE ACTS, OR INACTIONS, OF AN

INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY SUBSTANTIALLY CONTRIBUTED
TO THE ALLEGED HARM (Approved 10/1991; Revised 09/2018)

Chapter 4
Damages in Personal Injury Cases        63

4-1        OVERVIEW...................................................................................................... 63

4-1:1....... Actual Out-of-Pocket Losses       64

4-1:2....... Unliquidated Damages 64

4-1:2.1....... Counsel Prohibited From Mentioning
Dollar Amount and Other Improper
Comments By Counsel           65

4-1:3....... Remittitur and Additur  68

4-2        DISABILITY, IMPAIRMENT, LOSS OF ENJOYMENT
OF LIFE, PAIN AND SUFFERING............................................................... 70

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.11E................................................................................... 71

DAMAGES CHARGES—GENERAL

DISABILITY, IMPAIRMENT AND LOSS OF THE ENJOYMENT
OF LIFE, PAIN AND SUFFERING (Approved 12/1996; Revised 05/2017)

4-3        PERMANENT INJURY, life expectancy,
AND enhanced risk of future harm.......................................... 73

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.11G.................................................................................. 74

DAMAGES CHARGES—GENERAL

LIFE EXPECTANCY (Approved 2/96)

4-4        PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS AND ASSESSMENT
OF DAMAGES.................................................................................................. 74

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.11F................................................................................... 76

DAMAGES CHARGES—GENERAL

AGGRAVATION OF THE PREEXISTING DISABILITY (Approved 1/97)

4-5        A PLAINTIFF’S DUTY TO MITIGATE DAMAGES
BY MEDICAL TREATMENT....................................................................... 77

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.11B................................................................................... 78

DAMAGES CHARGES—GENERAL

DUTY TO MITIGATE DAMAGES BY MEDICAL AND
SURGICAL TREATMENT (Adopted 12/96; Revised 10/00)

4-6        MEDICAL EXPENSES AS AN ELEMENT OF DAMAGES.................... 80

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.11A................................................................................... 82

DAMAGES CHARGES—GENERAL

MEDICAL EXPENSES (NON-AUTO) (Approved 12/96)

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.20..................................................................................... 84

Medical Expenses (Auto) (Approved 12/1996; Revised 01/2017)

4-6:1....... Future Medical Monitoring Expenses        84

4-7        PAST AND FUTURE LOSS OF INCOME................................................... 84

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.11C.................................................................................. 86

DAMAGES CHARGES—GENERAL

LOSS OF EARNINGS (Approved 12/88; Revised 7/10)

4-8        DAMAGE TO A SPOUSE FOR LOSS OF SERVICES,
SOCIETY AND CONSORTIUM................................................................... 90

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.30B................................................................................... 91

DAMAGES—PER QUOD

Loss of Spouse’s Services, Society and Consortium (Approved 2/96)

4-9        PARENTAL LOSS WHEN CHILD IS INJURED....................................... 92

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.30C.................................................................................. 92

DAMAGES—PER QUOD

Loss of Child’s Services and Earnings (Approved 2/96)

4-10      A CHILD’S LOSS OF SERVICES AND CONSORTIUM
WHEN A PARENT IS INJURED................................................................... 93

4-11      BYSTANDER DAMAGE FOR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS
FROM WITNESSING AN INJURY.............................................................. 93

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.10F................................................................................... 94

NEGLIGENCE—EMOTIONAL DISTRESS FROM WITNESSING SERIOUS
INJURY TO AN INTIMATE FAMILY MEMBER (Approved 5/84)

4-12      NON-TAXABILITY OF PERSONAL DAMAGE AWARDS.................... 96

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.48..................................................................................... 96

TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PERSONAL INJURY AWARD
(Adopted 1/97; Revised 3/01)

4-13      APPORTIONMENT OF DAMAGES BETWEEN PLAINTIFF
AND DEFENDANTS AND AMONG DEFENDANTS................................ 97

Chapter 5
Statute of Limitations and Repose         99

5-1        THE BASIC STATUTORY RULE................................................................ 99

5-2        THE OBLIGATION TO TIMELY RAISE THE DEFENSE................... 101

5-3        THE DISCOVERY RULE AND THE STATUTE
OF LIMITATIONS........................................................................................ 102

5-4        WRONGFUL DEATH CASES, SURVIVORSHIP CLAIMS,
AND THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS................................................. 103

5-5        FICTITIOUS NAME OR ‘JOHN DOE’ PLEADINGS
TO EXTEND THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS.................................. 103

Chapter 6
Negligence on the Roadways                   105

6-1        GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ROADWAY CONDUCT.......................... 105

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30A................................................................................ 106

General Duty Owing (Approved 8/99)

6-2        SOME COMMON LAW PRINCIPLES OF DRIVING............................ 107

6-2:1....... Specific Duties to Make Observations       107

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30G.1............................................................................. 107

Duty of Automobile Driver to Make Observations
(Approved before 1983)

For Traffic Conditions

6-2:2....... The Duty to Look Out for Pedestrians       108

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30G.2............................................................................. 108

Duty of Automobile Driver to Make Observations
(Approved before 1983)

For Pedestrians

6-2:3....... Driver’s Duty Where the View Is Obstructed
at an Intersection 109

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30G.3............................................................................. 109

Duty of Automobile Driver to Make Observations
(Approved before 1983)

Where View Obstructed at Intersection

6-2:4....... Duty When There Is an Impairment to a Driver’s Vision       110

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30G.4............................................................................. 110

Duty of Automobile Driver to Make Observations
(Approved before 1983)

Where Vision Impaired

6-2:5.......
The Driver’s Duty in the Instance
of Temporary Blindness               111

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30G.5............................................................................. 111

Duty of Automobile Driver to Make Observations
(Approved before 1983)

Temporary Blindness of Driver as Affecting Duty

6-2:6....... A Driver’s Duty Regarding Obstacles or Defects
in the Road...... 112

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30G.6............................................................................. 112

Duty of Automobile Driver to Make Observations
(Approved before 1983)

Duty as to Obstacles and Defects in Streets

6-2:7....... A Driver’s Response to a Disabled or Drunk Person,
or Infant in the Roadway             112

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30G.7............................................................................. 113

Duty of Automobile Driver to Make Observations
(Approved before 1983)

Duty as to Persons under Disability

6-2:8....... A Driver’s Obligation to Observe Traffic Conditions
When Going Through a Green Light           113

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30J................................................................................. 114

Duty of Care Proceeding Through Intersection with
Green Light [The Favored Driver] (Approved 1977)

6-3        STATUTORY DEFINITIONS OF PROPER
ROADWAY CONDUCT............................................................................... 115

6-3:1....... Duty to Observe Emergency Vehicles and Duty
of the Emergency Vehicle Driver 117

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.31B................................................................................ 118

Duty of Care by Emergency Vehicle (Approved 1977)

6-3:2....... Following Too Closely or Tailgating           119

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30D................................................................................ 119

Violation of Traffic Act (Approved 8/99)

6-3:3....... Improper Passing 121

6-3:4....... Improper Lane Changes               122

6-3:5....... Requirement to Keep to the Right              122

6-3:6....... Improper Rates of Speed             123

6-3:7....... Failure to Obey a Traffic Sign or Signal     124

Model Jury Charge 5.30H.......................................................................................... 125

Duty Of Care: Driver Of Motor Vehicle Proceeding
Through An Intersection Controlled By A Stop Sign/
Flashing Red Traffic Control Device (Revised 6/07)

Model Jury Charge 5.30I............................................................................................ 126

Duty Of Care: Driver Of Motor Vehicle Proceeding
Through An Intersection With A Flashing Amber Traffic
Control Device (Revised 6/07)

6-3:8....... Driving Too Slowly 126

6-3:9....... Statutory Careless Driving            127

6-3:10..... Statutory Laws Regarding Pedestrians      127

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.32B................................................................................ 129

Duty of a Pedestrian when Crossing at a Point
other than a Crosswalk (Approved before 1983; Revised 4/02)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.32C................................................................................ 131

DUTY OF DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS CROSSING AT MARKED
OR UNMARKED CROSSWALK (Approved 6/10)

6-3:11..... Cell Phone Use When Driving      131

6-3:12..... Bicyclist Obligations      131

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.32A................................................................................ 132

DUTY OF PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS TO MAKE
OBSERVATIONS (Approved 2/92)

6-4        Driver Making a U-Turn................................................................... 133

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30B................................................................................ 133

U-TURN (Approved 8/99)

6-5        DRIVER MAKING A LEFT-HAND TURN.............................................. 134

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30C................................................................................ 135

Left-Hand Turn (Approved 3/91)

6-6        DRIVER WITH sudden medical emergency........................... 135

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30E................................................................................ 136

Effect of Black Out (Approved before 1984)

6-7        DRIVER CLAIMS OF MECHANICAL DEFECT................................... 137

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30F................................................................................ 138

Liability for Injury Due to Mechanical Defect or Failure
(Approved before 1984)

6-8        SEAT BELT USAGE AND ITS IMPACT.................................................. 141

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30K................................................................................ 143

Nonuse of Seatbelt on Issue of Negligence (Approved 6/89)

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.21................................................................................... 143

Nonuse of Seatbelt Including Ultimate OutcomE (12/09)

6-9        DRIVER INTOXICATION.......................................................................... 147

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.30L................................................................................. 147

Effect of Intoxication on Duty Owing (By Automobile Driver) (Approved before 1983)

6-10      THE LAWSUIT LIMITATION OR THRESHOLD................................. 148

6-10:1..... The Limitation on Lawsuit Policy Option 148

6-10:2..... Meeting the Lawsuit Limitation Threshold               150

6-10:3..... Physician’s Certification               150

6-10:4..... Case Law Interpretation               152

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.33................................................................................... 153

LIMITATION ON LAWSUIT OPTION (Approved 11/2000; Revised 04/2018)

6-10:5..... Pre-Existing Conditions 155

6-11      Duties at railroad and highway
grade crossings.................................................................................... 155

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.21................................................................................... 156

DUTY OF RAILROAD AT PUBLIC HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSING
(Approved before 1983)

Chapter 7
Premises Liability                159

7-1        OVERVIEW.................................................................................................... 159

7-2        BUSINESS PROPRIETORS......................................................................... 160

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20E................................................................................ 162

Activity of Owner/Occupier As Distinguished from
Condition of Premises, Duty Owed (Approved 3/00)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20F(5)........................................................................... 163

Duty Owed—Condition of Premises (Approved 03/2000, Revised 12/2014)

Invitee—Defined and General Duty Owed (12/88)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20F(6)........................................................................... 165

Duty Owed—Condition of Premises (Approved 03/2000, Revised 12/2014)

Implied Invitation (Approved 5/1970, Revised 12/2014)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20F(7)........................................................................... 167

Duty Owed—Condition of Premises (Approved 03/2000, Revised 12/2014)

Duty to Inspect Owed To Invitee

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20F(8)........................................................................... 168

Duty Owed—Condition of Premises (Approved 03/2000, Revised 12/2014)

Notice of Particular Danger as Condition of Liability

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20F(9)........................................................................... 169

Duty Owed—Condition of Premises (Approved 03/2000, Revised 12/2014)

Notice Not Required When Condition is Caused
by Defendant

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20F(10)......................................................................... 170

Duty Owed—Condition of Premises (Approved 03/2000, Revised 03/2017)

Actual and Constructive Notice Defined

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20F(11)......................................................................... 170

Duty Owed—Condition of Premises (Approved 03/2000, Revised 03/2017)

Mode of Operation Rule

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20F(12)......................................................................... 172

Duty Owed—Condition of Premises (Approved 03/2000, Revised 03/2017)

Notice to Invitee or Obviousness of Defect

7-3        BUSINESS OWNER’S AND LANDLORD’S DUTY
TO PROTECT AGAINST CRIMINAL ACTIVITY................................. 179

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.72................................................................................... 179

NEGLIGENCE—PROPRIETOR’S DUTY OF CARE TO PATRONS
AGAINST CRIMINAL ACTIVITY OF THIRD PERSONS
(Approved 11/99)

7-4        SOCIAL GUESTS and Licensees........................................................ 180

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20F(4)........................................................................... 181

DUTY OWED—CONDITION OF PREMISES
(Approved 03/2000, Revised 12/2014)

Social Guest—Defined and General Duty
Owed (03/2000; Revised 12/2014)

7-5        TRESPASSERS.............................................................................................. 184

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20E................................................................................ 185

Activity of Owner/Occupier As Distinguished from
Condition of Premises, Duty Owed
(Approved 3/00)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20F(1)........................................................................... 186

DUTY OWED—CONDITION OF PREMISES
(Approved 03/2000, Revised 12/2014)

Adult Trespasser—Defined and General Duty Owed

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20F(2)........................................................................... 186

DUTY OWED—CONDITION OF PREMISES
(Approved 03/2000, Revised 12/2014)

Infant Trespasser—Defined and General Duty Owed (10/2003)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20F(3)........................................................................... 192

DUTY OWED—CONDITION OF PREMISES (Approved 03/2000, Revised 12/2014)

Licensee, Defined and General Duty Owed (03/2000; Revised 12/2014)

7-6        RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD’s DUTY TO TENANTS........................... 193

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20D................................................................................ 194

DUTY OF OWNER OF MULTI-FAMILY HOUSE TO TENANTS
AND OTHERS (Approved 5/97)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20C(A)........................................................................... 199

DUTY OF OWNER TO TENANT LEASING ENTIRE PREMISES
AND TO OTHERS ON PREMISES (Approved 5/77)

Residential Premises

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20C(B)........................................................................... 199

DUTY OF OWNER TO TENANT LEASING ENTIRE PREMISES
AND TO OTHERS ON PREMISES (Approved 5/77)

Repairs by Landlord of Residential Premises

7-7        COMMERCIAL LANDLORD OBLIGATIONS....................................... 200

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20C(C).......................................................................... 201

DUTY OF OWNER TO TENANT LEASING ENTIRE PREMISES
AND TO OTHERS ON PREMISES (Approved 5/77)

Non-Residential Land and Buildings

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20C(D).......................................................................... 201

DUTY OF OWNER TO TENANT LEASING ENTIRE PREMISES
AND TO OTHERS ON PREMISES (Approved 5/77)

Repairs by Landlord of Non-Residential Land and Buildings

7-8        ABUTTING PUBLIC SIDEWALKS........................................................... 201

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20B................................................................................ 204

LIABILITY FOR DEFECTS IN PUBLIC STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
(Approved 11/99)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20G................................................................................ 208

LIABILITY OF FORMER OWNER OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
FOR DEFECTS OR OTHER DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN
ABUTTING SIDEWALKS (Approved 5/84)

7-9        LANDOWNERS’ LIABILITY ACT FOR UNDEVELOPED
AND RURAL LAND...................................................................................... 210

7-10      Utility Poles on or Near Roadways........................................ 211

Chapter 8
Construction and Multiple Employer Work Site Accidents                                    213

8-1        OVERVIEW.................................................................................................... 213

8-2        WorkPlace Accidents and OSHA Violations..................... 215

8-3        Construction Industry Practices
and Standards........................................................................................ 216

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.10H................................................................................ 216

STANDARDS OF CONSTRUCTION, CUSTOM AND USAGE
IN INDUSTRY OR TRADE (3/10)

Chapter 9
Medical Negligence and Battery            219

9-1        INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................... 219

9-2        Arbitration Clauses and Medical
Negligence Claims.............................................................................. 220

9-3        THE THREE KEY STEPS IN CASE EVALUATION.............................. 220

9-3:1....... Determining Deviation  220

9-3:2....... Linking the Deviation to Damage               221

9-3:3....... Determining the Economic Feasibility of the Case  221

9-4        THE AFFIDAVIT OF MERIT STATUTORY
REQUIREMENT............................................................................................ 223

9-4:1....... Contents of Affidavit    225

9-4:2....... When an Affidavit of Merit Is Not Necessary          226

9-4:3....... 2004 Medical Care Access Statute and the More
Stringent Affidavit of Merit Requirement 227

9-5       
THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
AND THE DISCOVERY RULE.................................................................. 230

9-6        THE LEARNED TREATISE EVIDENCE RULE..................................... 232

9-7        THE GENERAL DUTY OF A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER................. 234

9-8        THE MEDICAL JUDGMENT ISSUE........................................................ 235

9-9        THE DUTY OF A SPECIALIST
OR A GENERAL PRACTITIONER........................................................... 236

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.50A................................................................................ 237

Duty and Negligence (Approved 3/02)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.50G................................................................................ 239

Medical Judgment (06/2014)

9-10      THE REQUIREMENT OF EXPERT TESTIMONY AND
WHEN COMMON KNOWLEDGE MAY FURNISH
THE STANDARD OF CARE....................................................................... 240

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.50B................................................................................ 241

Common Knowledge May Furnish Standard of Care
(Approved 3/02)

9-11      THE DUTY TO OBTAIN INFORMED CONSENT................................. 243

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.50C................................................................................ 245

Informed Consent (Competent Adult and No Emergency)
(Approved 10/00; revised 3/02)

9-12      THE IMPACT OF A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION
ON PROXIMATE CAUSE............................................................................ 247

9-12:1..... Substantial Factor Test 248

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.50E................................................................................ 250

PRE-EXISTING CONDITION—INCREASED RISK/LOSS OF
CHANCE—PROXIMATE CAUSE (Approved 10/2014; Revised 04/2018)

9-13      A CLAIM FOR WRONGFUL BIRTH AND LIFE................................... 255

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.50F................................................................................ 256

Wrongful Birth and Life (Updated) (Approved 7/02)

9-14      THE MEDICAL BATTERY CAUSE OF ACTION.................................. 260

9-15      ALTERED OR MISSING MEDICAL RECORDS................................... 261

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.50H................................................................................ 262

Alteration of Medical Records (Approved 7/02)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.50I.................................................................................. 263

Fraudulent Concealment of Medical RecordS (Approved 7/02)

9-16      NURSING HOME NEGLIGENCE.............................................................. 265

9-17      PLAINTIFF’S OBLIGATION TO UNDERGO AN INVASIVE DEFENSE MEDICAL EXAMINATION      266

9-18      PLAINTIFF’S ACCESS IN DISCOVERY TO PROCURE
MEDICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE DOCUMENTS.............................. 266

9-19      HEALTH INSURANCE CARRIER OR
HMO MALPRACTICE................................................................................. 267

9-20      DEFENSE REQUEST FOR EX PARTE INTERVIEW WITH
A TREATING PHYSICIAN and using a treating
doctor as a fact or causation witness............................... 268

9-21      PSYCHIATRISTS’ AND OTHER MENTAL HEALTH
PROVIDERS’ LIMITED IMMUNITY FROM PATIENT’S
ACTS OF PHYSICAL HARM TO SELF AND OTHERS....................... 269

9-22      CLAIMS AGAINST HOSPITALS AND PROFESSIONALS
WHO WORK WITH HOSPITALS.............................................................. 270

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.50................................................................................... 270

APPARENT AUTHORITY CHARGE (Approved 6/10)

Chapter 10
Lawyer Negligence and Other Non-Medical,
Professional Negligence Leading to Personal Injury                                               273

10-1      INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................... 273

10-2      ATTORNEY NEGLIGENCE OR MALPRACTICE................................. 276

10-2:1..... Breach of Duty to Non-Client Third Party                277

10-2:2..... Damages Caused by Legal Malpractice    277

10-2:3..... The Statute of Limitations in Legal Malpractice
Cases and the Entire Controversy Doctrine              278

10-3      ATTORNEY FEES IN ATTORNEY NEGLIGENCE CASES................. 279

10-3:1..... Whether Claimant Should Get Double Recovery    279

10-3:2..... Prejudgment Interest     280

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.51A................................................................................ 280

LEGAL MALPRACTICE (Approved 6/79)

General Duty owing

10-4      OTHER NON-MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE: ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS AND ACCOUNTANTS........................................................................................................................... 284

10-4:1..... Ten Year Statute of Repose         285

10-4:2..... What Constitutes Breach of Duty by Architects
and Engineers. 285

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.52................................................................................... 286

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY OF AN ARCHITECT/ENGINEER (Approved 11/95)

Chapter 11
Abnormally Dangerous Activities and Nuisance                                                       291

11-1      ABNORMALLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES........................................ 291

11-1:1..... Determination of Whether an Activity
Is Abnormally Dangerous            291

11-1:2..... Additional Jury Instruction About Heightened
Risk and Duty. 292

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20H................................................................................ 292

DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTALITIES OR CONDITIONS
(Approved before 1983)

11-2      NUISANCE..................................................................................................... 294

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.75................................................................................... 295

NUISANCE (Approved 12/87)

Chapter 12
Respondeat Superior, Negligent Hiring and Vicarious Liability
for Independent Contractors                  297

12-1      RESPONDEAT SUPERIOR......................................................................... 297

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.10I.................................................................................. 298

AGENCY (Approved 4/2002; Revised 8/2011)

12-2      NEGLIGENT HIRING.................................................................................. 300

12-2:1..... Proof Required for a Negligent Hiring Claim            300

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.76................................................................................... 301

NEGLIGENT HIRING (4/07)

12-3      A PRINCIPAL’S VICARIOUS LIABILITY FOR THE ACTS
OF AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.................................................. 304

12-3:1..... Determination of Principal’s Liability        305

12-3:2..... Negligent Hiring of an Independent Contractor       306

Chapter 13
Alcohol Service by Taverns and Restaurants and Social Hosts                             307

13-1      INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................... 307

13-2      TAVERN AND RESTAURANT LIABILITY........................................... 307

13-2:1..... Exclusive Remedy 308

13-2:2..... Proof Required—Comparative Negligence               308

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.71................................................................................... 309

TAVERN KEEPERS SERVING MINORS AND INTOXICATED
PERSONS (3/10)

13-3      SOCIAL HOSTS SERVING ALCOHOL TO THOSE
OF LEGAL AGE............................................................................................. 315

13-3:1..... Definition of Social Host              315

13-3:2..... Extent of Liability and Proof Required     316

13-3:3..... Comparative Negligence              317

13-4      SOCIAL HOSTS SERVING ALCOHOL TO MINORS........................... 317

Chapter 14
Common Carriers: The High Degree of Care Owed
to Patrons of Railroads, Buses and Airplanes                                                            319

14-1      Introduction.......................................................................................... 319

14-2      Nature of Duty Owed......................................................................... 320

14-3      Non-Passengers...................................................................................... 321

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.73................................................................................... 321

CARRIERS FOR HIRE (Approved 6/88)

Chapter 15
Intentional Torts Causing Personal Injury                                                                 329

15-1      Introduction.......................................................................................... 329

15-1:1..... Scope of Chapter 329

15-1:2..... Intentional Torts in Matrimonial Litigation              330

15-1:3..... Insurance Coverage for Intentional Torts 330

15-1:4..... Comparative Negligence              331

15-2      ASSAULT........................................................................................................ 331

15-3      BATTERY....................................................................................................... 332

Model Civil Jury Charge 3.10................................................................................... 332

ASSAULT AND BATTERY (Approved prior to 1984; Revised 03/2015)

15-4      INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS.............. 335

15-4:1..... What Must Be Proven   336

Model Civil Jury Charge 3.30F................................................................................ 337

INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS (Approved 11/99)

15-5      INVASION OF PRIVACY............................................................................ 337

Model Civil Jury Charge 3.14................................................................................... 338

INVASION OF PRIVACY (Approved 01/16)

Chapter 16
Death Cases         343

16-1      Introduction.......................................................................................... 343

16-2      SURVIVAL ACTION—THE PERIOD OF TIME
THE DECEDENT WAS ALIVE.................................................................. 344

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.42................................................................................... 345

SURVIVAL ACTION (Approved 2/96)

16-3      A SPOUSE’S LOSS OF SERVICES, SOCIETY
AND CONSORTIUM IN A DEATH CASE............................................... 346

16-4      THE WRONGFUL DEATH ASPECT OF A DEATH CLAIM............... 346

16-4:1..... What Constitutes Pecuniary Damages      347

16-4:2..... Where the Decedent is a Child     347

16-4:3..... Discounting the Award for Present Value on Inflation           348

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.43................................................................................... 349

WRONGFUL DEATH (3/10)

16-5      TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS IN A DEATH CLAIM....................... 355

Chapter 17
Punitive Damages                 357

17-1      Overview.................................................................................................... 357

17-2      Determining the Amount of Punitive
Damages Awarded............................................................................... 358

17-2:1..... Whether Amount Awarded Is Reasonable and Justified       358

17-2:2..... Cap on Punitive Damages Award: Exceptions        359

17-3      Nature of Proof—Clear and
Convincing Standard........................................................................ 360

17-3:1..... Factors to Be Considered             360

17-3:2..... Drunk Driving and Punitive Damages        361

17-4      The PUNITIVE DAMAGES Model Civil
Jury Charge—Single Exemption
for Certain products....................................................................... 361

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.60................................................................................... 362

PUNITIVE DAMAGES ACTIONS—GENERAL (Approved 3/2000; Revised 12/2011)

Chapter 18
Claims Against Public Entities: The Tort Claims Act                                              367

18-1      OVerview.................................................................................................... 367

18-1:1..... What Is Viable and What Is Not Under the Act       367

18-1:2..... Requirements for Bringing Claims Against
Public Entities. 368

18-1:3..... Which Public Entities Are Entitled to Protection      368

18-2      THE NOTICE REQUIREMENT................................................................. 369

18-2:1..... When the Notice Must Be Filed   369

18-2:2..... Application to File Late Notice of Claim   370

18-2:3..... Contents of Notice of Claim        371

18-2:4..... Presentation of Notice of Claim  372

18-3      THE HEIGHTENED DAMAGE REQUIREMENT................................. 372

18-3:1..... What Constitutes Permanent Loss of a Bodily
Function, Permanent Disfigurement or
Dismemberment 373

18-3:1.1..... Gilhooley, Kahrar, Ponte and Knowles               374

18-3:1.2..... Permanent Disfigurement       375

18-3:2..... Other Damage Limitations           376

18-3:3..... Recovery of Economic Losses Absent Proof
of Permanent Injury      377

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.70................................................................................... 377

TORT CLAIMS ACT THRESHOLD FOR RECOVERY OF DAMAGES
FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING (3/10)

18-4      WHAT TYPE OF LIABILITY CLAIMS ARE PERMISSIBLE UNDER THE TORT CLAIMS ACT             379

18-4:1..... Act or Omission of Public Employee          379

18-4:2..... Unsafe Premises 380

18-4:3..... Specific Exemptions from Liability for Public
Entities Under the Act   380

18-4:4..... Exemptions for Public Employees              382

18-4:4.1..... Correction and Police Activities             383

18-4:4.2..... Public Medical and Mental Institutions
and Their Employees               384

18-5      LIABILITY FOR DANGEROUS CONDITIONS
ON PUBLIC PROPERTY............................................................................. 385

18-5:1..... Recreation Facilities      385

18-5:2..... Plaintiff’s Proofs on Dangerous Conditions
on Public Property 385

18-5:2.1..... Actual or Constructive Notice                386

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.20A................................................................................ 387

DANGEROUS CONDITION OF PUBLIC PROPERTY (Approved 2/96)

18-5:2.2..... Immunities Even from
Dangerous Conditions             391

18-6      Emergency Call oR 911 Immunity............................................. 392

Chapter 19
Duty of School Personnel to a Student  393

19-1      Introduction.......................................................................................... 393

19-2      The Charitable Immunity Act
and the Tort Claims Act................................................................. 393

19-3      Ordinary Negligence and the duty of care..................... 394

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.74................................................................................... 394

DUTY OF TEACHERS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL TO STUDENT
(Approved 9/80)

Chapter 20
Other Special Negligence Claims, Immunities, and Restrictions                           397

20-1      Introduction.......................................................................................... 397

20-2      DOG BITES AND INJURIES CAUSED BY ANIMALS......................... 397

20-2:1..... Dog Bite Liability 397

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.60A................................................................................ 398

STATUTORY OWNER—DOG BITE LIABILITY (N.J.S.A. 4:19-16) (12/09)

20-2:2..... Non-Bite Situations       400

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.60B................................................................................ 400

ANIMAL WITH VICIOUS OR DANGEROUS TRAIT OR PROPENSITY
(OTHER THAN AN OWNER DOG BITE CASE) (Approved 9/80)

20-2:3..... Keeping Wild Animals Deemed a Nuisance              401

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.75................................................................................... 401

NUISANCE (Approved 12/87)

20-3      CHARITABLE IMMUNITY....................................................................... 403

20-3:1..... Exceptions....... 403

20-3:2..... What Type of Entity Qualifies for Immunity           404

20-3:3..... Other Qualifiers for Charitable Immunity 405

20-4      SPORTS AND RECREATION INJURIES................................................. 406

20-4:1..... Exculpatory Releases and Arbitration Clauses        408

20-5      ROLLER RINK INJURIES.......................................................................... 409

20-6      EQUINE ANIMAL ACTIVITIES............................................................... 410

20-7      SKI SLOPES.................................................................................................... 410

20-8      SEXUAL ABUSE BY AN ADULT OF A CHILD..................................... 411

20-9      Carnival—AmusemenT Rides....................................................... 413

20-10    SPOLIATION OF EVIDENCE OR FRAUDULENT
CONCEALMENT.......................................................................................... 413

20-11    PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY
AND DELAWARE RIVER PORT AUTHORITY
CLAIMS.......................................................................................................... 415

20-12    VOLUNTEER FIRST AID SQUAD MEMBERS,
NATIONAL SKI PATROL SYSTEM MEMBERS,
AND CIVIL DEFENSE VOLUNTEERS.................................................... 415

20-13    MORE IMMUNITIES FOR SPECIFIC SERVICES:
Emergency Medical technicians,
COACHES, SPORTS SPONSORS, AND THE LIKE............................... 416

20-14    THE ‘FIREMAN’S RULE’ STATUTORILY ABROGATED ................ 419

20-15    EMPLOYER IMMUNITY AND THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BAR     419

20-15:1.. The Workers’ Compensation Bar and ‘Special
Employees’ ‘Borrowed Employees’ or ‘Co-Employees’        420

20-16    Areas not covered by this work.............................................. 421

Chapter 21
Common Issues in Personal Injury Litigation and Trials                                       423

21-1      INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................... 423

21-2      BEST PRACTICES AND DISCOVERY DEADLINES........................... 423

21-3      PRETRIAL PUBLICITY AND JURY SELECTION................................ 424

21-4      ADVERSE INFERENCES BY COUNSEL
IN SUMMATION........................................................................................... 424

21-5      ETHICS AND CANDOR TO THE TRIBUNAL....................................... 424

21-6      WHEN DID YOU FIRST CONTACT YOUR LAWYER?....................... 424

21-7      LACK OF PRIOR ACCIDENTS TO DEFEND AN UNSAFE PROPERTY OR PRODUCTS CLAIM              425

21-8      PHOTOS OF DAMAGED VEHICLES....................................................... 426

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.34................................................................................... 427

PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE IN MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS (10/09)

21-9      LACK OF A GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION.................................... 427

21-10    POLICE REPORTS, POLICE OPINIONS, AND EXPERT BOOTSTRAPPING HEARSAY OPINIONS        428

21-11    IN LIMINE MOTIONS................................................................................. 428

21-12    WORK PRODUCT CLAIMS AND WITNESS STATEMENTS............. 429

Chapter 22
The New Jury Selection Rules and Personal Injury Cases                                      431

22-1      INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................... 431

22-2      THE NEW COURT DIRECTIVES ............................................................ 432

22-3      SOME SUGGESTED VOIR DIRE QUESTIONS
FOR INJURY CASES.................................................................................... 434

Appendix A: Directive #21-06, Approved Jury Selection Standards,
Including Model Voir Dire Questions           437

Appendix B: Directive #4-07, Jury Selection – Model Voir Dire Questions Promulgated by Directive #21-06 – Revised Procedures and Questions                                                   461

Chapter 23
Product Liability                  479

23-1      Introduction.......................................................................................... 479

23-2      THE STATUTE IN PLAIN LANGUAGE................................................... 480

23-2:1..... Proof That a Product Was Not Reasonably Fit,
Suitable or Safe 480

23-2:2..... Defenses.......... 481

23-2:3..... Exemption of a Product Seller     482

23-3      PROVING A MANUFACTURING DEFECT............................................ 484

23-4      FAILURE TO WARN.................................................................................... 485

23-5      DESIGN DEFECT.......................................................................................... 487

23-5:1..... Consumer Expectations Test       487

23-5:2..... The Risk-Utility Analysis or Test 488

23-5:3..... Reasonable Safer Design Test     489

23-6      more on THE SPECIAL STATUTORY DEFENSES........................... 489

23-7      Product Seller and Distributor Defined........................... 490

23-8      MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHWORTHINESS............................................ 491

23-9      WORKPLACE INJURIES AND PRODUCT LIABILITY...................... 492

23-10    THE MODEL CIVIL JURY CHARGEs
ON PRODUCT LIABILITY......................................................................... 493

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40A (Introduction)...................................................... 493

PRODUCTS LIABILITY—Introduction: Caveats to Judges (3/10)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40B................................................................................ 495

Manufacturing Defect (Approved 10/1998; Revised 8/2011)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40C................................................................................ 498

Failure to Warn/Instruct (Approved 3/00; Revised 10/01)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40(D-1).......................................................................... 504

DESIGN DEFECT—GENERALLY (Approved 4/99; Revised 5/10)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40(D-2).......................................................................... 507

DESIGN DEFECT—INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT TO JURY
(All Cases) (3/10)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40(D-3).......................................................................... 507

Design Defect—Legal Tests of Product Defect (Approved 4/99)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40(D-4).......................................................................... 517

Design Defect—Defenses (Approved 4/99; Revised 10/01)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40E................................................................................ 522

Crashworthiness—Special Issues (Approved 5/01)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40F................................................................................ 525

Defect before Sale

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40G................................................................................ 526

Product Misuse or Alteration (Approved 12/93)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40H................................................................................ 527

ForEseeable User or Victim (Approved 2/89)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40I.................................................................................. 528

Proximate Cause (Approved 2/89)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40J................................................................................. 529

COMPARATIVE FAULT (9/09)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40K................................................................................ 530

Summary (Approved 2/89)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40L................................................................................. 530

Negligence (Approved 8/86)

Model Civil Jury Charge 5.40M............................................................................... 533

Express Warranty (Approved 8/86)

Model Civil Jury Charge 8.62................................................................................... 534

PUNITIVE DAMAGES ACTIONS—Products Liability
(Approved 1/1997; Revised 12/2011)

Table of Cases    537

Index     599