New Jersey Personal Injury Laws
New Jersey uses a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar and imposes no cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases. The state's verbal threshold in auto insurance cases limits tort suits for car accidents to injuries meeting a certain severity level. New Jersey is one of the most litigated states for personal injury, with Bergen, Essex, and Middlesex counties known for significant jury verdicts.
Statute of Limitations
2 years
Fault Rule
Modified Comparative Fault (50% Bar)
Non-Economic Damages Cap
No Cap
Fault Rule: Modified Comparative Fault (50% Bar)
You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Average Settlement Amounts in New Jersey
Settlement amounts vary based on injury severity, liability, and other factors. Below are estimated average settlements for common injury types in New Jersey.
| Injury Type | Average Settlement |
|---|---|
| Car Accident | $25,000 |
| Slip and Fall | $21,000 |
| Dog Bite | $40,000 |
Key New Jersey Personal Injury Statutes
- •N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:14-2 (statute of limitations)
- •N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:15-5.1 (modified comparative fault, 51% bar)
- •N.J. Stat. Ann. § 4:19-16 (dog bite strict liability)
Damage Caps in New Jersey
New Jersey does not impose a general cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases. This means there is no statutory limit on pain and suffering awards in most cases.
New Jersey does not have a specific medical malpractice damages cap.
Injury Claims in New Jersey
Learn more about specific injury types and how New Jersey law applies to each.
Major Cities in New Jersey
Personal injury attorneys in New Jersey serve clients in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Trenton, and surrounding areas. If you have been injured in any of these cities, the same state laws described above apply to your claim.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed personal injury attorney in your state.