I would expect to see this reduced significantly on appeal.
I agree.
I have not read the case, but I am curious to see what duty Target had to ensure there were no discarded hypodermic needles in the parking lot. I can see that being the reason why Target refused to settle even for $ 12K.
This is my thought. I think businesses should have a
reasonable standard of care. IE stuff like spills being marked and cleaned up in a reasonably fast period of time. If a person spills their own drink and then immediately slips on it, that exceeds the business's requirements for a good standard of care. And yes, I've read of lawsuits like that. Including a woman hurt by children running around the store unchecked. Seemed reasonable until you found out that they were her own children running around, and she was arguing that the store should have done what I believe to be her job.
The parking lot is uncontrolled outside area. Sure, they should probably pick up the trash on a regular basis, but that doesn't mean that you should run around without shoes on and such.
I'm also curious as to the drug regimen she went through for it. Anti-HIV drugs and antibiotics I presume? (checks article), yep, anti-HIV. Which were apparently enough to leave her bedridden, when those drugs don't typically do that even to those suffering from HIV.
And yes, Target made what I'd consider a reasonable offer - $750, which should cover the medical exam and drugs, but not the lost wages from the drug reaction that left her in bed and presumably missing work.