59:9-2 - Judgments, interest, limitations

59:9-2  Judgments, interest, limitations.

59:9-2.  a.  No interest shall accrue prior to the entry of judgment against a public  entity or public employee.

b.No judgment shall be granted against a public entity or public employee  on the basis of strict liability, implied warranty or products liability.

c.No punitive or exemplary damages shall be awarded against a public entity.

d.No damages shall be awarded against a public entity or public employee for pain and suffering resulting from any injury;  provided, however, that this  limitation on the recovery of damages for pain and suffering shall not apply in  cases of permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent disfigurement or  dismemberment where the medical treatment expenses are in excess of $3,600.00.  For purposes of this section medical treatment expenses are defined as the  reasonable value of services rendered for necessary surgical, medical and  dental treatment of the claimant for such injury, sickness or disease,  including prosthetic devices and ambulance, hospital or professional nursing  service.

e.If a claimant receives or is entitled to receive benefits for the injuries allegedly incurred from a policy or policies of insurance or any other  source other than a joint tortfeasor, such benefits shall be disclosed to the  court and the amount thereof which duplicates any benefit contained in the  award shall be deducted from any award against a public entity or public employee recovered by such claimant;  provided, however, that nothing in this provision shall be construed to limit the rights of a beneficiary under a life insurance policy.  No insurer or other person shall be entitled to bring an action under a subrogation provision in an insurance contract against a public entity or public employee.

L.1972, c.45, s.59:9-2; amended 2000, c.126, s.32.