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
Actor James Tolkan of 'Top Gun' and 'Back to the Future' dies at 94

Renowned Actor James Tolkan, Star of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Back to the Future,’ Passes Away at 94

Renowned actor James Tolkan, celebrated for his iconic roles as a tough…
Hollywood Boulevard Cinema in Woodridge, Illinois auctions movie memorabilia to make way for renovation

Woodridge’s Hollywood Boulevard Cinema Hosts Unique Auction for Movie Memorabilia Ahead of Renovation

WOODRIDGE, Ill. (WLS) — In a bid to secure its future, a…
American-born IDF soldier Moshe Yitzchak Hacohen Katz killed in Lebanon

Tragic Loss: American-Born IDF Soldier Moshe Katz Killed in Lebanon Conflict

An Israeli soldier has tragically lost his life during combat operations in…
'Flying Rodent' photo of lynx wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year award

Majestic Lynx Captures the Crown: ‘Flying Rodent’ Photo Wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year!

Their jaws dropped in awe. A breathtaking image of a lynx engaging…
North Korean laborers describe brutal forced labor in Russia: 'Working like a cow, earning nothing'

North Korean Workers Report Severe Forced Labor Conditions in Russia: ‘Working Relentlessly, Earning Nothing

“Awaken before 6 a.m. to face the harsh Russian winter. Together, we…
American-born Israeli soldier killed in combat in Lebanon

American-Born Israeli Soldier Tragically Falls in Lebanon Combat Operations

An Israeli soldier, originally from the United States, has been killed in…
Israeli airstrike in Lebanon kills al-Manar TV's Ali Shoeib, Al-Mayadeen TV's Fatima Ftouni and her brother Mohammed

Tragic Airstrike in Lebanon Claims Lives of Journalists Ali Shoeib and Fatima Ftouni

In a tragic incident, three journalists lost their lives during an Israeli…
Man eats at 28 Michelin-star NYC restaurants in 24 hours to earn world record — and this is how much it cost

Epic Culinary Marathon: Man Sets World Record Dining at 28 Michelin-Starred NYC Restaurants in 24 Hours – Discover the Jaw-Dropping Cost

He nearly took on more than he could handle. A Las Vegas…
AOC violated laws by spending $19,000 in campaign cash on ketamine-therapy shrink for 'personal use': complaint

AOC Allegedly Misused $19,000 in Campaign Funds for Personal Ketamine Therapy, Complaint Claims

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a member of the progressive “Squad,” allegedly breached…
Slain college student’s mother vows ‘fight for justice’ after illegal immigrant charged in Chicago killing

Mother of Slain Student Commits to Pursuing Justice Following Charges Against Undocumented Immigrant in Chicago Murder

The mother of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old college student tragically killed earlier…
RX Border Defense: Buyer Beware When It Comes to Cheap Chinese Drug Ingredients for Weight Loss

Caution Advised: The Risks of Inexpensive Chinese Ingredients in Weight Loss Drugs

“We are the largest and most obese nation globally, and I believe…
'We've got to stand up': No Kings protest marches through downtown Jacksonville

Protesters in Downtown Jacksonville Rally for Change in ‘No Kings’ Demonstration

Protesters filled the streets, their signs held high and chants echoing as…