Peter Procanik, an Infant by His Guardian Ad Litem, Rosemarie Procanik and Rosemarie Procanik and Michael Procanik…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey held that an infant plaintiff may recover special damages for extraordinary medical expenses caused by a wrongful‑life claim but may not recover general damages for pain, suffering, or a diminished childhood; the parents' claim for emotional distress and expenses was barred by the statute of limitations and not revived as derivative. The Court affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded for amendment. Justice Schreiber dissented, and Justice Handler concurred in part and dissented in part, arguing for broader recovery for the infant.