Alan J. Cornblatt, PA v. Barow

The opinion of the Court was delivered by

HANDLER, J.

In 1995, the Legislature enacted a statute, the Affidavit of Merit Bill, that imposed requirements for initiating and maintaining certain professional malpractice actions. L. 1995, c. 139 (codified at N.J.S.A 2A:53A-26 to -29). The statute by its terms applies to “causes of action which occur” on or after the effective date of enactment. A key provision of the statute requires the submission of an affidavit of merit within sixty days of the filing of the answer to the complaint. This case presents important issues concerning the application…