New Jersey § 2a:58c-1

§ 2a:58c-1.

a. The Legislature finds that there is an urgent need for remedial legislation to

establish clear rules with respect to certain matters relating to actions for damages

for harm caused by products, including certain principles under which liability is

imposed and the standards and procedures for the award of punitive damages. This act is not intended to codify all issues relating to product liability, but

only to deal with matters that require clarification. The Legislature further finds that such sponsors' or committee statements that may

be adopted or included in the legislative history of this act shall be consulted in

the interpretation and construction of this act. b. As used in this act: (1) “ Claimant ” means any person who brings a product liability action, and if such an action is

brought through or on behalf of an estate, the term includes the person's decedent,

or if an action is brought through or on behalf of a minor, the term includes the

person's parent or guardian. (2) “ Harm ” means (a) physical damage to property, other than to the product itself; (b) personal

physical illness, injury or death; (c) pain and suffering, mental anguish or emotional

harm; and (d) any loss of consortium or services or other loss deriving from any

type of harm described in subparagraphs (a) through (c) of this paragraph. (3) “ Product liability action ” means any claim or action brought by a claimant for harm caused by a product, irrespective

of the theory underlying the claim, except actions for harm caused by breach of an

express warranty. (4) “ Environmental tort action ” means a civil action seeking damages for harm where the cause of the harm is exposure

to toxic chemicals or substances, but does not mean actions involving drugs or products

intended for personal consumption or use.