TOMS RIVER, N.J. – The Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund, acting on behalf of the Borough of Beach Haven, and first responder Suzette Reese have filed a civil lawsuit against a Lanoka Harbor couple following a motor vehicle crash involving an ambulance responding to an emergency call.
The negligence complaint, filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Ocean County, names Margaret Superior and Theodore Superior as defendants. The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for workers’ compensation benefits and other damages paid after Reese was injured while working in the back of an ambulance.
According to the complaint, the crash occurred on or about Aug. 31, 2024, on Long Beach Boulevard in Long Beach Township while Reese was employed as a first responder for the Borough of Beach Haven.
The lawsuit alleges the ambulance was traveling in the oncoming lane with its emergency lights and sirens activated while responding to an emergency when the defendants’ vehicle failed to properly observe and yield before making a left turn into its path. The complaint alleges the collision caused Reese to suffer serious injuries while treating a patient inside the ambulance.
Lawsuit seeks recovery of workers’ compensation costs
According to the filing, Reese required extensive medical treatment following the crash and received workers’ compensation benefits through the Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund.
The complaint states the insurance fund has paid $2,088.86 in medical expenses and workers’ compensation benefits on Reese’s behalf and is seeking reimbursement of those payments, along with future damages, interest, attorney’s fees where applicable, and court costs.
The lawsuit also alleges Reese sustained severe and painful injuries, has undergone medical treatment, and may continue to incur future medical expenses and other damages resulting from the collision.
Civil action follows underlying crash litigation
Court records indicate the filing is a subrogation action brought under New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws. The complaint notes there is a related pending lawsuit in Ocean County Superior Court arising from the same motor vehicle crash.
The civil complaint contains allegations made by the plaintiffs, and the court has not ruled on the merits of those claims. The defendants will have an opportunity to respond through the court process.
According to the summons, the defendants have until Aug. 24 to file a written answer or otherwise respond to the complaint.
Why It Matters
Emergency medical personnel frequently provide patient care while ambulances are moving, placing them at increased risk of injury during crashes. Municipal insurance funds may pursue reimbursement through subrogation lawsuits when workers’ compensation benefits are paid because of injuries allegedly caused by third parties.
Recovering those costs can help offset expenses borne by public insurance funds supported by participating municipalities and taxpayers.
Local Impact
Long Beach Boulevard is one of the primary transportation routes serving Long Beach Island and carries significant seasonal traffic. The lawsuit also serves as a reminder that New Jersey law requires motorists to yield to emergency vehicles operating with activated lights and sirens.
What Happens Next
Margaret Superior and Theodore Superior may file an answer denying the allegations or otherwise respond before the court’s deadline. If the case is contested, it may proceed through discovery, settlement negotiations, or trial.
As with all civil litigation, the allegations in the complaint have not been proven in court.
Sources
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Ocean County civil complaint
- Superior Court of New Jersey summons
- Court records
FAQ
- Who filed the lawsuit?
The Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund, on behalf of the Borough of Beach Haven, and first responder Suzette Reese. - What does the lawsuit allege?
The complaint alleges the defendants failed to yield to an ambulance operating with emergency lights and sirens, causing a crash that injured Reese while she was treating a patient. - How much money is being sought?
The complaint seeks reimbursement of $2,088.86 already paid in workers’ compensation benefits, along with future damages, interest, attorney’s fees where applicable, and court costs. - Has the court determined liability?
No. The complaint contains allegations by the plaintiffs, and the defendants have the opportunity to respond in court. - When is the response due?
According to the summons, the defendants must respond by Aug. 24.
Key Points
- A Beach Haven first responder and the Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund have filed a civil lawsuit over an ambulance crash.
- The complaint alleges a driver failed to yield to an ambulance with emergency lights and sirens activated, injuring the first responder.
- The plaintiffs seek reimbursement of workers’ compensation benefits and related damages through the civil action.
