Why is this woman suing Costco for $14 million?
- Replies 0
Costco is known for its towering shelves, endless free samples, and those irresistible $1.50 hot dog combos.
But for one Sonoma County woman, a routine shopping trip turned into a life-altering ordeal—and now, she’s taking the retail giant to court for more than $14 million.
Let’s set the scene: It was March 22, a typical day at the bustling Santa Rosa Costco on Santa Rosa Avenue. Shoppers were weaving through aisles stacked high with everything from bulk toilet paper to flat-screen TVs.
But for Sadie Novotny, the day took a harrowing turn. According to a lawsuit now making its way through the courts, Sadie was walking down an aisle when an 'on sale' cabinet display suddenly toppled over, pinning her beneath its weight.
The aftermath, as described in the lawsuit, was nothing short of catastrophic. Sadie suffered “multiple, permanent, and severe injuries,” including a traumatic brain injury.
The legal complaint paints a picture of a display that was an accident waiting to happen: a cabinet with “thin legs,” perched precariously on a “worn” and “inadequate wooden pallet.”
Also read: Smokey Robinson faces $50M lawsuit filed by former employees
The lawsuit claims this setup created a significant risk for disaster, and that Costco failed to spot the danger, warn customers, or properly train employees about the hazard.
What’s at Stake?
Sadie Novotny isn’t just seeking a slap on the wrist for Costco. She’s asking for a whopping $14.1 million in damages, broken down as follows:
- $5 million for pain, suffering, and inconvenience
- $5 million for emotional distress
- $100,000 for medical expenses and lost earnings to date
- $4 million for future medical expenses and lost earnings
Also read: Smokey Robinson responds to allegations with $500 million countersuit—here’s what we know so far
The Legal Battle Ahead
Originally filed in Alameda County Superior Court, the case has since been moved to the Northern District Court at Costco’s request.
The legal arguments center on three main points: negligence, premises liability, and products liability. In plain English, Sadie’s legal team is saying that Costco had a duty to keep its store safe, failed to do so, and should be held responsible for the consequences.
The two sides are scheduled to meet in court this September for a case management conference.
A Closer Look: Retail Safety and Your Rights
Incidents like this aren’t as rare as you might think. According to the National Safety Council, falls and falling objects are among the leading causes of injuries in retail environments.
Stores are legally required to maintain safe premises, which means regular inspections, proper employee training, and immediate action when hazards are discovered.
If you or someone you know is ever injured in a store, here are a few steps to keep in mind:
1. Report the Incident Immediately: Notify store management and make sure the incident is documented.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out.
3. Document Everything: Take photos, gather witness statements, and keep records of medical visits.
4. Consult a Professional: If injuries are serious, consider speaking with a legal expert to understand your rights.
Read next: Psst, there’s something new at the Costco food court. And it looks tasty!
Have you ever had a near-miss or an accident while shopping? Do you think stores are doing enough to keep customers safe? Or maybe you have tips for staying alert in crowded aisles? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below!
But for one Sonoma County woman, a routine shopping trip turned into a life-altering ordeal—and now, she’s taking the retail giant to court for more than $14 million.
Let’s set the scene: It was March 22, a typical day at the bustling Santa Rosa Costco on Santa Rosa Avenue. Shoppers were weaving through aisles stacked high with everything from bulk toilet paper to flat-screen TVs.
But for Sadie Novotny, the day took a harrowing turn. According to a lawsuit now making its way through the courts, Sadie was walking down an aisle when an 'on sale' cabinet display suddenly toppled over, pinning her beneath its weight.
A woman from Sonoma County is suing Costco for over $14 million, claiming she suffered catastrophic injuries after a cabinet display fell on her at the Santa Rosa store. Image source: Gibblesmash / Unsplash.
The aftermath, as described in the lawsuit, was nothing short of catastrophic. Sadie suffered “multiple, permanent, and severe injuries,” including a traumatic brain injury.
The legal complaint paints a picture of a display that was an accident waiting to happen: a cabinet with “thin legs,” perched precariously on a “worn” and “inadequate wooden pallet.”
Also read: Smokey Robinson faces $50M lawsuit filed by former employees
The lawsuit claims this setup created a significant risk for disaster, and that Costco failed to spot the danger, warn customers, or properly train employees about the hazard.
What’s at Stake?
Sadie Novotny isn’t just seeking a slap on the wrist for Costco. She’s asking for a whopping $14.1 million in damages, broken down as follows:
- $5 million for pain, suffering, and inconvenience
- $5 million for emotional distress
- $100,000 for medical expenses and lost earnings to date
- $4 million for future medical expenses and lost earnings
Also read: Smokey Robinson responds to allegations with $500 million countersuit—here’s what we know so far
The Legal Battle Ahead
Originally filed in Alameda County Superior Court, the case has since been moved to the Northern District Court at Costco’s request.
The legal arguments center on three main points: negligence, premises liability, and products liability. In plain English, Sadie’s legal team is saying that Costco had a duty to keep its store safe, failed to do so, and should be held responsible for the consequences.
The two sides are scheduled to meet in court this September for a case management conference.
A Closer Look: Retail Safety and Your Rights
Incidents like this aren’t as rare as you might think. According to the National Safety Council, falls and falling objects are among the leading causes of injuries in retail environments.
Stores are legally required to maintain safe premises, which means regular inspections, proper employee training, and immediate action when hazards are discovered.
If you or someone you know is ever injured in a store, here are a few steps to keep in mind:
1. Report the Incident Immediately: Notify store management and make sure the incident is documented.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out.
3. Document Everything: Take photos, gather witness statements, and keep records of medical visits.
4. Consult a Professional: If injuries are serious, consider speaking with a legal expert to understand your rights.
Read next: Psst, there’s something new at the Costco food court. And it looks tasty!
Have you ever had a near-miss or an accident while shopping? Do you think stores are doing enough to keep customers safe? Or maybe you have tips for staying alert in crowded aisles? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below!
