Coughlin v. Morell

The opinion of the court was delivered by

SKILLMAN, J.A.D.

Plaintiffs Charles and Frances Coughlin filed this automobile negligence action against defendants Morell and Pfeiffer. Charles’ claim was for his personal injuries suffered in the accident and Frances’ claim was for the loss of her husband’s services and consortium. As required by N.J.S.A. 39:6A-25a and R. 4:21A-1, plaintiffs’ claims were submitted to arbitration. The arbitrators found Morell 100 percent negligent and awarded damages of $4,000. Morell rejected the arbitration award and demanded a trial de novo.

The case was tried before…