Jury Returns $5.34 Million Verdict in Disputed Premises Liability Case
Our team is proud to announce a $5.34 million jury verdict in Marron v. Food4Less, obtained by trial attorneys Nico Mamone of Bentley & More LLP and Aaron Hicks of Hicks Law Firm. This powerful outcome reflects the jury’s clear recognition that corporate safety rules must be upheld—and when they aren’t, accountability must follow.
A Disputed Liability Case from the Start
This case centered on a dangerous product display placed on the sales floor of a Food4Less in Los Angeles. While attempting to reach for a case of beer, our client encountered a pallet and cooler stack negligently positioned in front of the beer display, restricting access and creating a tripping hazard. She fell directly onto her lower back, sustaining severe injuries.
Despite clear evidence of the hazard, Food4Less denied responsibility throughout litigation, disputing negligence, causation, and the nature and extent of the harm.
Uncovering Violations of Store Safety Policies
Through extensive discovery—including depositions of multiple store employees and Food4Less’ Person Most Knowledgeable—our trial team established that:
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The pallet/cooler display violated the store’s own written safety policies,
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The height and placement of the stack created a recognized safety risk, and
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The store failed to follow its internal guidelines designed to prevent customer injuries.
This evidence proved critical in demonstrating that the hazard should never have existed on the sales floor and was a substantial factor in causing the fall.
A Powerful Jury Decision
Following a full trial at Alhambra Court, the jury rendered the following verdict:
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12–0 – Negligence
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9–3 – Substantial Factor
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12–0 – Damages
In total, the jury awarded $5,343,672, including:
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Past and future medical expenses
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Past and future loss of earnings
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Past and future pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
Serious, Life-Altering Injuries
As a result of the fall, our client suffered lumbar spine injuries requiring a two-level fusion. She was later diagnosed with adjacent segment disease, a condition that will require years of future treatment and continued medical care. This verdict provides the resources she needs to manage these long-term consequences.
Justice Achieved
This result underscores the importance of enforcing corporate safety standards and protecting the public from preventable hazards. We are honored to have helped our client secure the justice—and the financial support—she deserves.
Congratulations to attorneys Nico Mamone and Aaron Hicks for their outstanding work and dedication to achieving this result.
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