H. Life Expectancy (2/96)
If you make an award for future pain and suffering, disability and impairment, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and loss of future earnings, you may consider the plaintiff's life expectancy. Plaintiff's life expectancy today (at the time of the accident) is _______ years. That is an estimation of his/her probable length of life based upon statistical data. Since it is a general estimate, you should use it with caution in an individual case. The plaintiff may live a longer or shorter period than the estimated figure. You should exercise your sound judgment in applying the life expectancy figure without treating it as a necessary and fixed rule.
Cases:
Dalton v. Gesser, 72 N.J. Super. 100 (App. Div. 1962); Housen v. Olesky, 71 N.J.Super. 95 (App. Div. 1961); Kappovich v. LeWinter, 43 N.J. Super. 528 (App. Div. 1957); Dickerson v. Mutual Grocer Co., 100 N.J.L. 118 (E. & A. 1924).
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Model Civil Jury Charges
