Childs v. New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance

Like Riccio v. Prudential Property & Casualty Insurance Company, 108 N.J. 493 (1987), also decided today, this appeal raises issues of the effect of a liability settlement on uninsured motorist (UM) claims. It poses as well the question of how settlement of a UM claim by one insurance carrier affects another carrier’s liability to the same claimant under its UM endorsements.

I

Plaintiffs are Nicholas Childs and Joseph T. Childs, his father. Our use hereafter of “plaintiff” is in reference to Nicholas, the injured plaintiff. As recited in the opinion of the Appellate Division, 199 N.J.Super. 441…