A man from New Jersey who sued Staples Inc. after injuring his back when he fell in a store has been awarded more than $3.64 million in a jury verdict.

Jim Simmons was looking at computers at a Staples store in Hamilton when an employee left a merchandise tote on the ground behind him.

According to a law firm representing Simmons, he tripped over the tote and suffered a herniated disk to his lumbar spine and pain and numbness radiated into his right leg.

He underwent physical therapy, steroid injections and eventually two lumbar surgeries.

Staples Inc. did not return the AP's request for comment.