Linda Cowley v. Virtua Health System (081891) (Camden County & Statewide)

Summary

The New Jersey Supreme Court held that the "common knowledge" exception does not excuse plaintiffs from providing an affidavit of merit in a malpractice claim where a patient removed an NG tube and refused reinsertion, because the issue requires expert testimony on nursing duties and patient autonomy. The Court reversed the Appellate Division and dismissed the complaint with prejudice.