Staples Customer Awarded $3.64 Million for Injury at Hamilton, NJ, Store
Stark & Stark Shareholder David M. Schmid, Esq., holds corporation accountable in injury verdict

Lawrenceville, NJ, January 6, 2020: Law firm Stark & Stark announced that it has obtained a verdict of $3,648,030 for Jim Simmons, who was injured in the Staples Hamilton, NJ, store. His back injury, which is still not resolved after multiple surgeries, was a result of violations of Staples’ own customer safety policies, according to the law firm.

At the time of the injury on May 30, 2015, Jim Simmons was 55 years old and a resident of Bordentown, NJ. He was browsing computers when a Staples employee was called away, leaving a merchandise tote on the ground behind Mr. Simmons unattended. Mr. Simmons tripped over the tote and fell to the ground, experiencing immediate pain. He suffered a herniated disc in his lumbar spine, as well as pain and numbness in his lower back radiating into his right leg.

After the fall, Jim Simmons started a course of treatment that began with physical therapy, followed by pain management, including lumbar epidural steroid injections. When these treatments failed to provide lasting relief, he underwent two lumbar surgeries. These still failed to resolve his symptoms, and he will be facing additional surgery in the coming months.

The victim was represented by Stark & Stark Shareholder David M. Schmid, Esq. The case was tried in Mercer County, NJ.

According to Mr. Schmid, this case was vigorously defended by Staples, Inc., which contested liability and blamed Mr. Simmons for tripping over the tote. Staples also denied that Mr. Simmons was injured in the fall, arguing that his injuries and symptoms were age-appropriate “degenerative” changes in his lumbar spine.

“However, through the cross examination of Staples’ own medical expert, the jury was able to see through this ‘degenerative’ defense,” said Mr. Schmid. “In addition, through the testimony of Staples’ own employees and corporate directors, we were able to demonstrate to the jury that customer safety was not a priority at the Hamilton Staples store. The store violated its own safety policies, leading to serious, lifelong injuries to a customer, and its response was to blame Mr. Simmons and deny his claims.”

As a result of his injury, today Mr. Simmons is unable to carry out home maintenance tasks, travel with his sons, or even enjoy the simple joys such as decorating his home for the holidays. Faced with a lifetime of chronic pain, he fears losing his independence.

“Jim Simmons has suffered a great deal and we are extremely proud to have achieved this notable verdict for him. It was a massive effort on the part of our entire trial team, reflecting the unwavering dedication to ensuring justice and appropriate compensation for all of our clients at Stark & Stark,” added David Schmid.

He concluded, “Ultimately, the jury’s verdict shows that they know the difference between right and wrong. Their verdict is proof that large corporations will be held accountable when they negligently injure people. No matter how much money, power or resources Staples had, it could not run from its responsibility forever.”

About Stark & Stark:
Since 1933, Stark & Stark has developed innovative legal solutions to meet our clients’ needs. More than 100 attorneys, 30 practice areas, and a philosophy of putting the law to work for our clients is the basis from which we build and maintain our practice. Boasting one of the oldest law practices in New Jersey, Stark & Stark offers a full range of legal services for businesses and individuals. After more than 85 years, our attorneys continue to deliver practical, efficient solutions to clients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and throughout the United States. Our attorneys are supported by a staff in excess of 200, all of whom are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to each client. Visit www.stark-stark.com for more information.