Target settles lawsuit alleging maintenance worker stuck with used needle

WHEELING – A maintenance worker who says she was pricked in the neck by a used needle at a Target store in Wheeling has settled her lawsuit against the company.

Jane Smith and Target settled their lawsuit in June, according to an agreed order of dismissal signed by Ohio County Circuit Court Judge Ronald Wilson. Terms were not disclosed.

Smith sued Target Corporation in March. Her lawsuit said she was an employee of Prestige Maintenance on March 31, 2011, when she was cleaning the pharmacy restroom at the Target on Cabela Drive.

Target was responsible to provide a safe work environment for all employees and contractors, she said.

Smith removed the wall-mounted trash container and pushed for the bags to drop down when she was stuck in the neck with a used needle, the complaint says.

Smith was instructed to immediately go to Wheeling Hospital for examination. She was tested for hepatitis and received a vaccination, she says.

With additional blood testing, the costs came to more than $2,000. She also sued for physical pain, discomfort, distress, depression, anxiety, loss of earnings, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of future earnings.

She was represented by Lawrence L. Manypenny of New Cumberland. Target was represented by Rita Massie Biser of Moore & Biser in South Charleston.

From the West Virginia Record: Reach John O’Brien at jobrienwv@gmail.com.