Helen Kasper, Petitioner-Appellant v. Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey held that Helen Kasper's assault occurred within the scope of her regular duties under N.J.S.A. 18A:66‑39(c) and therefore she is entitled to an accidental disability pension. The Court interpreted the 1986 amendment to include pre‑shift activities performed on the employer's premises as satisfying the "during and as a result of the performance of regular or assigned duties" requirement, reversing the Appellate Division and remanding for further proceedings. Justice Poritz dissented, arguing the injury was not within the performance of duties, while Justice Coleman concurred, agreeing with the majority but offering a slightly different analytical approach.