Trip and fall: Failure to maintain safe premises: Sprains: Torm meniscus: Verdict

Law Reporter, Mar 2003

Taylor v. Toys 'R' Us, Inc., N.J., Monmouth County Super. Ct., No. L-2719-97, Oct. 15, 2002.

Taylor, 62, was shopping in a toy store when she tripped over the open door of a children's toy riding car. Taylor suffered a sprained wrist and a torn meniscus ligament. A full time homemaker, her medical expenses totaled $12,000.

Taylor and her husband sued the store, alleging negligence. Defendant contended Taylor was negligent for not watching where she was walking.

A jury awarded $500,000, $50,000 of which was for loss of consortium. The jury found Taylor 25 percent responsible for her injuries. It then reduced the award to $375,000.

Plaintiff' experts were Bill Julio, liability, Clayton, N.J.; Irving Strouse, medicine, Long Branch, N.J.; and Richard Sacks, medicine, Toms River, N.J. Defendant's expert was Elmo Samuel, medicine, Toms River, N.J.

Plaintiffs' Counsel

*Richard Ansell, Ocean Township, N.J.