New Jersey Law of Personal Injury with the Model Jury Charges
Standing Order with Automatic Update Service
ANALYSIS AND JURY CHARGES SIDE BY SIDE
New Jersey Law of Personal Injury collects and analyzes the leading personal injury cases and follows with the full text of the relevant Supreme Court sanctioned model jury charges. This novel organization allows the trial or appellate lawyer to evaluate, prosecute, defend and try any tort case by focusing on the language the judge will use to instruct the jury. New Jersey Law of Personal Injury will give readers current information in the easiest possible format. Cross referenced, completely updated, and heavily indexed, New Jersey Law of Personal Injury has become the authority in this area of practice.
| SKU | JPINJ20 |
|---|---|
| Division Name | New Jersey Law Journal |
| Volumes | 1 |
| Product Types | Books |
| Brand | New Jersey Law Journal |
| Publication Date | September 30, 2019 |
| Jurisdiction | New Jersey |
| ISBN | 978-1-62881-647-1 |
| Page Count | 652 |
| Edition | 2020 |
Donald A. DiGioia
James Hely
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
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