SHEERAN v. NATIONWIDE MUTUAL INS. CO., INC

Mr. Eugene M. Haring argued the cause for appellants ( Messrs. McCarter English, attorneys; Mr. Richard D. Quay, on the brief). Mr. William L. Dill, Jr. argued the cause for amici curiae National Association of Independent Insurers ( Messrs. Stryker, Tams Dill, attorneys; Mr. Richard R. Spencer, Jr., of counsel; Mr. Charles H. Friedrich on the brief). Mr. Peter D. Pizzuto, Deputy Attorney General, argued the cause for respondent ( Mr. John J. Degnan, Attorney General of New Jersey, attorney; Mr. Stephen Skillman, Assistant Attorney General, of counsel; Mr. Wesley S. Caldwell, III, Deputy Attorney General, on the brief). Mr. Jasper J. Jackson, Assistant Deputy Public Advocate, argued the cause for amici curiae New Jersey Department of the Public Advocate ( Mr. Stanley C. Van Ness, Public Advocate of New Jersey, attorney).