The death of an 8-year-old girl has led to a civil suit being filed against the state on charges of negligence. The daughter of the girl's godmother is alleging wrongful death and negligence against the state of New Jersey, who she claims knew about the girl's abusive home life and did not do enough to remove her from the environment. Litigation is pending.

According to state records, the girl's home was visited a total of four times between 2006 and 2008 by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, and each time evidence was found of abuse. The girl and her two siblings were being raised by their mother and a family friend, both of whom were involved in a religious cult. It is alleged that they beat and starved all three children, culminating in the death of the 8-year-old from what autopsy reports say was a combination of malnutrition and a broken leg. Both adults have been charged with murder.

Technology is constantly evolving, and nowhere is this evolution more visible than in the medical field. In New Jersey and elsewhere around the nation, the concept of "telemedicine" is becoming more prevalent: the move is toward less in-person patient-doctor interaction. This futuristic take on medicine is sparking controversy as to how medical malpractice suits will be handled if an in-person appointment is no longer required.

Telemedicine is not a new phenomenon: for some time, New Jersey medical facilities have been updating their processes to incorporate the latest technology. For example, many offices now allow patients to make appointments online rather than via telephone, and others have patients sign in via a tablet rather than using wasteful paper filing. Some doctors even conduct "appointments" via online communication rather than in person.

The sale of so-called "novelty helmets", cheap but flashy alternatives to more expensive safety helmets, is leading to more and more motorcycle deaths, according to national authorities. New Jersey motorcycle aficionados should take note: according to many studies, a novelty helmet is a dangerous product that does not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash. Many national safety organizations are attempting to raise awareness about this critical issue.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been studying the long-term statistics associated with novelty helmet use for some time now, and the results are staggering. Over 800,000 novelty helmets are sold every year; and with motorcycle-related deaths on the rise across the nation, the numbers could suggest a potential correlation. Unfortunately, public opinion still favors an anti-helmet stance, and as a result novelty helmets are often purchased as a form of rebellion against lax helmet laws in some states.

New Jersey consumers may benefit from being aware of a recent recall that has affected products distributed nationwide. Rich Products Corp. has voluntarily recalled multiple Farm Rich product lines that may be contaminated with E. coli. The potentially dangerous product lines include Mini Quesadillas, Mini Pizza Slices, Philly Cheese Steaks, Mozzarella Bites and many more.

The recalled products reportedly have a "best by" date range between Jan. 1, 2013 and Sept. 29, 2014. Farm Rich distributes products across the United States in retail stores, and according to reports, the contaminated products have been connected to E. coli illness reports in 15 states. So far, 24 individual illnesses are reported. Symptoms of E. coli can include cramping, nausea, vomiting and more. Consumers who are afraid that they may have been exposed to E. coli can contact the company for additional information.