California woman sues Costco for $14 million after display cabinet allegedly falls and causing brain injury, according to lawsuit
Share this @internewscast.com

SANTA ROSA, Calif. — A California woman is suing Costco for over $14 million, alleging that a heavy liquor cabinet display fell on her and caused significant injuries.

Sadie Novotny has initiated the lawsuit against Costco Wholesale Corporation due to an incident on March 22 at its Santa Rosa store in northern California.

Court filings reveal that Novotny was walking through an aisle when she claims a large, heavy cabinet meant for liquor display unexpectedly fell on top of her.

The lawsuit claims Novotny suffered multiple severe and permanent injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. She is seeking $9 million for pain and suffering, $5 million for emotional distress and additional damages for medical expenses and lost wages.

Shoppers emerge from a Costco warehouse late Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Sheridan, Colo.

Shoppers emerge from a Costco warehouse late Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Sheridan, Colo.

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

The case, originally filed in Alameda County Superior Court, has been moved to federal court at Costco’s request. A case management conference is scheduled for Sept. 4 at the San Francisco Federal Courthouse.

According to the lawsuit, the cabinet was displayed on what’s described as a defective or worn wooden pallet. The filing argues that this created an unsafe situation for shoppers, claiming the display was “set up in an unreasonably dangerous manner.”

The lawsuit alleges Costco failed to properly inspect and maintain the display, arguing the company should have known about the danger and either fixed it or warned customers about the risk.

ABC News has reached out to Costco Wholesale Corporation for comment.

Claude Armand Wyle, Novotny’s attorney, claimed to ABC News that a Costco representative told him they have a video of the incident, but won’t send it to him to review.

“The employee told me that the video didn’t happen the way I explained it,” Wyle said. “I told her, ‘Well, send it.’ She then said, ‘Oh no, you can only get that video through discovery.'”

“That meant I had to file a lawsuit,” he added. “I couldn’t investigate any further. I was stuck. If I wanted to get to the truth, I had to file a lawsuit.”

Wyle told ABC News that Novotny went to the hospital an hour after the incident after she told her husband she felt “really bad.”

“When she arrived at the hospital, doctors diagnosed her with a concussion,” Wyle said. “She suffered a head injury. We don’t know how bad it is yet.”

Wyle said his client feels slightly better but still suffers from headaches and vision problems.

The lawsuit is seeking compensation for current and future medical expenses, estimated at $2 million, along with lost earnings and future earning capacity losses of approximately $2 million. Additional damages are being sought for loss of household services.

Copyright © 2025 ABC News Internet Ventures.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Wilmington, North Carolina building explosion NC leaves 4 firefighters injured

Explosion in Wilmington, North Carolina Injures Four Firefighters

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Four firefighters were injured after a building exploded Tuesday…
Sounds Like They're Cracking: Texas Democrat Gene Wu's Latest Whine Is One for the Books

High-Stakes Drama as Texas House Decides on New Redistricting Maps

On Wednesday, the Texas House Democrats’ effort to stall the passage of…
Manatee County deputies revealing new details on Giovanni Pelletier's death

Manatee County Deputies Uncover New Information About Giovanni Pelletier’s Death

Pelletier, who was from North Carolina, was first reported missing on Aug.…
As hurricane season collides with immigration agenda, fears increase for those without legal status

Hurricane Season and Immigration Policies Fuel Rising Concerns for Undocumented Individuals

If a major hurricane approaches Central Florida this season, Maria knows it’s…

Twitch Star Jrokez, 26, Passes Away After 12th-Floor Fall Following Eerie Final Post About Feeling ‘Exhausted’

A TWITCH streaming star has died after plunging from a 12th floor…
Camp Mystic families push Texas leaders for safety reforms in wake of deadly Hill Country floods

Texas Families Urge Leaders for Enhanced Safety Measures After Fatal Hill Country Floods

Families who lost their children in the July 4 flooding at Camp…
Blue city rattled as alleged serial attacker preys on women in ritzy neighborhood

Upscale Neighborhood in Blue City on Edge as Suspected Serial Attacker Targets Women

Philadelphia’s community is feeling anxious following a series of sexual assaults that…
Family photo of four people.

Wife Confesses Shocking Truth in Tragic Videos Before Family is Found Dead

ALARMING details have emerged about the final days of the four family…
FBI arrests Sean Gardner, ex-coach at Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute for US Olympics in Iowa, years after abuse reports

Former Chow’s Gymnastics Coach Sean Gardner Arrested by FBI for Olympic Athlete Abuse Allegations in Iowa

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Just as the U.S. gymnastics community was regaining…

Officials Confirm Travis Decker’s DNA Was the Sole Evidence Found at Scene of Daughters’ Deaths

(NewsNation) — Officials in Washington state have announced that the only DNA…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused of killing three people failed English, road sign tests: DOT

Undocumented Trucker Linked to Fatal Crash Had Previously Failed Language and Road Sign Exams

The truck driver accused of causing a fatal accident in Fort Pierce,…
Mugshot of Austin Drummond.

Alleged Quadruple Murderer Austin Drummond Unusually Asserts He Was an FBI Informant Whose Cover Was Blown and Claims Innocence in Family Slayings

THE man accused of killing four people he says he considered to…