A South Carolina woman has been awarded $4.6 million after being stuck by a syringe needle in a Target parking lot.

Denise Garrison, of Anderson, South Carolina, was exiting her vehicle at a Target store when she noticed her eight-year-old daughter had picked up a syringe in the parking lot. Garrison swatted the syringe out of her daughter's hand, causing it to stick in the palm of her right hand.

"The plaintiff instinctively reacted to protect her child and swatted the syringe out of her child's hand," the lawsuit said. "You shouldn't leave items in your parking lot if you know children are coming with their mothers."

According to Garrison's attorney, Garrison underwent testing for HIV and hepatitis, the results of which came back negative, but the treatment made her ill and caused her husband to miss work.

The plaintiff originally sought $12,000 in damages, and Target offered $500 during mediation and $2,500 right before trial. The jury awarded Garrison $4.6 million.

Target spokeswoman Erika Winkels said the retailer may appeal the verdict. "We disagree with the outcome of this case," Winkels said.

—Source:  wyff4.com (Greenville, SC)