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
Dashcam video shows deadly freeway crash involving suspected illegal immigrant trucker

Shocking Dashcam Footage Reveals Fatal Freeway Collision Involving Alleged Undocumented Trucker

A shocking dashcam video has emerged capturing a fatal incident on a…
Expert warns critical hours slipping away as kidnappers likely to move US missionary in Niger

Urgent Countdown: US Missionary’s Fate Hangs in Balance as Kidnappers Prepare to Relocate in Niger

A security specialist has highlighted the urgency of the initial 48 hours…
Chicago CTA riders brace for weekend work halting of trains on elevated Loop tracks on Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines

Chicago Transit Alert: Major Weekend Disruptions on Loop Elevated Tracks for Brown, Green, Orange, and Pink Lines

CHICAGO (WLS) — This weekend might pose difficulties for CTA riders as…
Officials investigating after deadly crane collapse in commercial area north of Boston

Tragic Crane Collapse Under Investigation in Boston’s Northern Suburbs

Tragedy struck just north of Boston on Friday, as a crane collapse…
Dramatic video shows NYPD officers rescuing a missing dog named Moose from beneath a Manhattan subway train

Watch: NYPD Heroes Save Missing Dog ‘Moose’ from Manhattan Subway Tracks

A dramatic rescue unfolded in Manhattan as officers from the New York…
Oswego, Illinois Chick-fil-A: Darryl Lee Jr., 19, charged with murder in stabbing attacks at restaurant on Route 34, officials say

Tragic Incident: 19-Year-Old Charged with Murder in Oswego’s Route 34 Chick-fil-A Stabbing

OSWEGO, Ill. (WLS) — Authorities have charged a suspect in connection with…
Hilary Duff sobs after spilling coffee all over her Balenciaga bag

Hilary Duff’s Coffee Spill Drama: Balenciaga Bag Mishap Sparks Emotional Reaction

Hilary Duff recently shared an emotional moment with her followers, posting a…
Colts cheerleader uses sign language to converse with deaf fan at his first game

Heartwarming Moment: Colts Cheerleader Bridges the Gap with Sign Language at Deaf Fan’s First Game

Colts cheerleader Morgan McLain, who studied American Sign Language (ASL) as a…
DOJ prepares to send election monitors to California following requests from state GOPs

DOJ to Deploy Election Monitors in California at GOP’s Request

The Department of Justice is set to deploy federal election observers in…
US says it now plans to deport Abrego Garcia to Liberia as soon as Oct. 31

U.S. Set to Deport Abrego Garcia to Liberia by October 31: Immigration Update

In the latest chapter of a contentious legal saga, the U.S. government…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh's empire, BTK's family fallout, Bryan Kohberger's money woes

Unraveling Secrets: Alex Murdaugh’s Empire Crumbles, BTK Family Faces Fallout, and Bryan Kohberger’s Financial Struggles

‘HE KNEW HOW TO SWIM:’ The mystery surrounding a tragic death in…
Hollywood piano teacher allegedly flees country after sexual abuse conviction involving teen

Renowned Hollywood Piano Instructor Vanishes Overseas Following Teen Abuse Verdict

In an unexpected twist, a Hollywood piano teacher, convicted of sexually abusing…