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
2 men charged in alleged crypto torture case in SoHo, NYC plead not guilty

Two Men Accused in SoHo, NYC Cryptocurrency Torture Case Deny Charges

NEW YORK — The two men charged in an alleged kidnapping and…
Defense rests in trial of Karen Read, who's charged in death of Boston police officer boyfriend John O'Keefe

Defense Concludes in Case Against Karen Read, Accused of Killing Boston Cop Boyfriend John O’Keefe

The defense in Karen Read’s second trial concluded its argument on Wednesday,…

Beach Boys Member Brian Wilson Passes Away, Family Expresses Deep Grief

(NEXSTAR) – Brian Wilson, the musician who co-founded the Beach Boys, has…
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in Washington preparing to testify in front of House Oversight Committee on sanctuary law

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is in Washington to testify before the House Oversight Committee about the state’s sanctuary law.

WASHINGTON (WLS) — Governor JB Pritzker is in the nation’s capital on…
George Clooney at a Broadway opening night.

George Clooney Faces Disappointment as CNN Stream Falls Short Despite ‘Historic First’

Hollywood icon George Clooney made waves as the play he featured in…
Chaos erupts as ICE protesters prompt state of emergency in Spokane, Washington

State of Emergency Declared in Spokane, Washington Amid ICE Protests Chaos

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The state of emergency…
Washington state father wanted for murder after 3 daughters found dead

Hikers May Have Spotted Father Accused of Killing Daughters Hiding in Remote Wilderness

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Authorities are closing in…
Travis Kelce gives nod to Taylor Swift with surprising item in gym bag

Travis Kelce Surprises Fans with Taylor Swift Inspired Gym Bag Item

King of her heart. Travis Kelce ensured Taylor Swift stayed on his…
Brian Wilson, Beach Boys visionary leader and summer's poet laureate, dies at 82

Brian Wilson, Pioneering Leader of the Beach Boys and Poet of Summer, Passes Away at 82

Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ visionary and delicate leader whose flair for…
US Marshals escalate manhunt for fugitive dad wanted in daughters' murders

Manhunt Intensifies for Fugitive Father Accused of Daughters’ Murders

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The U.S. Marshals Service…
Messy bedroom with belongings strewn across the floor and bed.

Exploring the Gruesome House of Horrors: Pheobe Bishop’s Life Among Her Alleged Killers—Where Even the Air Feels Contaminated

HARROWING footage has revealed the disgusting conditions teen Pheobe Bishop was living…
Self-proclaimed 'Jew hater' pleads guilty after targeting victims at NYC protests

Man Who Admitted to Hate Crimes at New York Protests Pleads Guilty

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A man from New…