LAKEWOOD, N.J. — A Lakewood man claims an Ocean County sheriff’s officer struck him while he crossed a township intersection last year, leaving him with what the lawsuit describes as permanent injuries that continue to disrupt his daily life and work.
David Komin and his wife, Hannah Komin, filed an amended civil complaint in Ocean County Superior Court accusing Sheriff’s Officer Stephen DeRosa and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department of negligence stemming from a March 14, 2025 crash at Madison Avenue and Ninth Street in Lakewood.
According to the complaint, David Komin was walking eastbound across Madison Avenue when DeRosa, driving west on Ninth Street, allegedly turned left onto southbound Madison Avenue and hit him with a vehicle.
Lawsuit Claims Crash Caused Permanent Injuries
The complaint alleges DeRosa “negligently, carelessly and/or recklessly” operated the vehicle by failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to observe traffic conditions, and failing to maintain proper control before the collision occurred.
Court filings say the crash caused David Komin to suffer “severe and egregious injuries” that are allegedly permanent in nature. The lawsuit claims he endured significant pain and suffering, mental anguish, psychological trauma, and long-term physical impairment.
The complaint further alleges his injuries restricted his ability to attend to his normal employment duties and everyday activities. Attorneys for the Komins also claim the injuries meet the threshold for damages under New Jersey’s Tort Claims Act because the medical treatment expenses exceeded the statutory minimum.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, interest, and legal costs through a jury trial request filed in Superior Court.
Key Points
• Lawsuit alleges Ocean County sheriff’s officer struck pedestrian in Lakewood intersection
• Plaintiffs claim David Komin suffered permanent physical and psychological injuries
• Hannah Komin seeks damages for loss of support and consortium in the filing
Sheriff’s Department Also Named in Complaint
Beyond the claims against DeRosa individually, the lawsuit also names the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and unidentified “John Doe” defendants.
The filing alleges the sheriff’s department acted negligently through its employment and supervision of DeRosa and through the alleged “negligent entrustment” of the vehicle involved in the crash.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue DeRosa acted within the scope of his employment at the time of the collision, making the county agency potentially liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which can hold employers responsible for the actions of employees performed during work duties.
The complaint does not specify whether DeRosa was responding to an emergency call or engaged in official law enforcement duties at the time of the incident.
Hannah Komin separately claims the crash deprived her of her husband’s “aid, comfort, support, usual services and consortium” and alleges she has had to provide him with special care following the injuries.
Jury Trial Requested in Ocean County Court
The amended complaint and jury demand were filed May 22 by attorney Steven M. Petrillo of Petrillo & Goldberg, P.C., according to court records.
The filing asks for a jury trial on all issues connected to the lawsuit.
As of Friday, no response from DeRosa or the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department appeared in the publicly available court filings tied to the case. The lawsuit remains in the early stages of litigation, and the allegations have not yet been tested in court.
Future proceedings could include formal responses from the defendants, discovery exchanges, depositions, and potential pretrial motions before the case advances toward trial or settlement discussions.
