Jackson v. Harris Ace Hardware of Beloit, Inc., et al.

Listen to this article

Jury backs defense in Ace Hardware case

PERSONAL INJURY: Zero dollars

Case name: Jackson v. Harris Ace Hardware of Beloit, Inc., et al.

Case number: 08-CV-2516

Court: Rock County Circuit Court

Judge: James Welker

Verdict amount: Zero dollars, jury returned defense verdict

Insurance: General Casualty Company of Wisconsin, Inc.

Injuries claimed: Soft-tissue injuries to right shoulder, right arm, back and right hip.

Verdict & settlement: Jury returned defense verdict

Original amount sought: $10,000

Original offer: Zero dollars

Award: Zero dollars

Date of incident: April 11, 2007

Original filing date: Dec. 23, 2008

Date of disposition: May 17, 2010

Plaintiff’s attorneys: George Chaparas, Weigel, Carlson, Blau & Clemens, S.C., Milwaukee

Defendant’s attorneys: Chester Isaacson, Corneille Law Group, L.L.C., Madison

Defense counsel's summary of the facts: In this case, the Corneille Law Group defended Harris Ace Hardware of Beloit, Inc. and one of its employees in a lawsuit brought by a store patron. The patron claimed that he suffered injuries to his right shoulder, right arm, back and right hip after he was involved in an altercation with an employee of Harris Ace Hardware. Defendants vehemently denied these allegations, arguing that such an altercation never took place and that plaintiff therefore suffered no injuries. Prior to trial, the defendants moved for the dismissal of plaintiff's claim for medical expenses. This motion was granted. Consequently, plaintiff was only permitted to seek compensation for his alleged pain and suffering. In closing argument, plaintiff requested an award of $10,000. After approximately ten minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of no negligence on the part of the employee of Harris Ace Hardware. Plaintiff was therefore awarded nothing.