Substantial Nexus Existed Between Burn Incident, Vehicle Use, Panel Says In Reversal

( October 23, 2024, 1:20 PM EDT) -- TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey appeals panel on Oct. 23 reversed a lower court’s ruling in favor of an automobile insurer in an insured’s lawsuit seeking personal injury protection (PIP) benefits for her injuries caused when a hot beverage spilled on her when she was sitting in her car at a Dunkin’ Donuts’ drive-through, finding that the insured’s injuries were a “natural and reasonable . . . consequence” of the use of her vehicle and, therefore, a substantial nexus existed between the injury incident and her vehicle use....