New Jersey Turnpike Authority paid nearly $1 million for lawsuit settlements in last 18 months

In the last year and a half, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority has paid nearly $1 million to settle at least seven lawsuits. An additional 33 cases against the authority are still open.

Some of those payments, as the Associated Press reports, include $125,000 for the death of a fashion model in a car accident that took place when Turnpike lights were off, and $60,000 to a man who has chronic pain following a fall at the PNC Bank Arts Center.

Often, settling the suits is more cost-effective for the authority.