Perhaps you recently underwent surgery, but you’ve only felt worse, rather than better, since your operation. Perhaps, despite receiving treatment, you’ve failed to recover as you and your doctors had predicted you would. There are many forms of medical malpractice, with some easier to identify and prove than others. If you think you’ve been harmed by an error committed by a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional, there are certain steps you should consider in order to make a successful medical malpractice claim. 

A woman who is expected to suffer years of physical consequences from slipping on an icy pathway was awarded $4 million in a jury trial. While the defendant tried to have this decision overturned by the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court, a three-judge panel recently ruled that the award is valid and should be upheld. 

The recent settlement of the lawsuit filed by former NFL players for brain injuries incurred by the players is illustrative of the challenges faced by victims of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The lawsuit was filed on a class basis by players for the NFL who, after years of experiencing hits to the head, incurred brain diseases associated with TBI, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. As litigation of the case progressed, however, the players began to realize that the settlement gave short shrift to the true costs of caring for and treating those with TBI-related diseases. Hundreds of participants in the class action lawsuit withdrew without taking a part of the ultimate settlement fund, so that they could file their own individual lawsuit with the hope that their recovery would more adequately cover their expenses. 

Perhaps you made some mistakes when you were young, but have since realized the error of your ways and are trying to live a reputable life. Having a criminal record can hold you back from major life steps, such as getting a good job or qualifying for credit or a lease. In an earlier post, we explained who is eligible for a criminal expungement. Now, here’s a rundown of how the expungement process works and the steps you’ll need to take. 

After completing a hunt for the driver and investigation, a woman has been arrested for causing the death of a Middletown teen after a July 7 accident. Toni Ann Marletta, 49, of the Leonardo neighborhood of Middletown, is believed to be responsible for striking and killing a 15-year-old girl from Atlantic Highlands. At about 8:30 p.m. on the evening of July 7, Marletta is believed to have been driving a light gray compact car on Route 36, traveling west, near Avenue D. The girl was attempting to cross Route 36 when Marletta is alleged to have hit her. The girl was hospitalized at the Jersey Shore Medical Center, but ultimately succumbed to her injuries the following day, according to Monmouth County Police. Using witness reports of the type of car involved in the accident, Middletown police searched the city for the light gray compact, ultimately finding one with damage consistent with the accident, in front of the home of Marletta. While Marletta was immediately taken in for questioning, she was released until a further investigation could be completed. Marletta was arrested several days later in Hazlet for the crash. The current charges she faces include leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, failing to have auto insurance, failing to report a motor vehicle accident, having unsafe tires, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident, which could alone result in five to ten years in prison. Marletta is being held in Monmouth County Jail, Freehold Township, on $150,000 bail. 

The law on child support payments may soon become a bit less supportive to New Jersey children. On July 23, the New Jersey Senate passed a change to the law to make the default rule that child support terminates when the child receiving support turns 19. There would, however, be a number of ways to avoid this termination. The parties can agree in advance that child support payments won’t terminate at 19 by specifying a different date for such payments to end in a court order. The parents could also go to the judge and agree that support would continue until a different date. In addition, one parent or the child could petition the judge to extend the payments. Finally, if the recipient of the support lives in an out-of-home placement via the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, the payments would continue. Additionally, the bill includes a section that would permit children to sue their parents to receive continued support after the child reaches 23 years old, a provision which has garnered some negative attention. The bill has not yet been approved by the New Jersey Assembly, nor by Governor Christie.