Costco Faces $14 Million Lawsuit Over Cabinet Display

A California woman is suing Costco Wholesale Corporation for more than $14 million, claiming that a heavy liquor display cabinet fell on her, resulting in severe injuries. The case, which has now made its way into federal court, has raised questions about safety standards in large retail environments.

Costco Lawsuit

Sadie Novotny, the plaintiff, filed her lawsuit following a distressing incident at a Costco store in Santa Rosa, Calif., on March 22, 2025. According to court documents, the incident unfolded as Novotny was walking down an aisle when a large cabinet meant for liquor displays suddenly toppled, striking her and causing substantial harm. The lawsuit outlines that Novotny sustained multiple serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. As part of her compensation claim, she is seeking $9 million for pain and suffering and $5 million for emotional distress, plus additional damages related to medical expenses and lost wages. Her attorney, Claude Armand Wyle, asserted that this incident underscores not just personal suffering but also systemic issues related to safety protocols at major retail chains.

Costco’s Request

The case initially entered Alameda County Superior Court but has since been moved to federal jurisdiction at Costco’s request. A case management conference is slated for September 4 at the San Francisco Federal Courthouse. The lawsuit claims that the cabinet was displayed on a “defective or worn wooden pallet,” an assertion that raises significant concerns about how merchandise is set up and maintained within the retail giant’s warehouses. “The display was set up in an unreasonably dangerous manner,” the lawsuit states, arguing that Costco failed to inspect and maintain the display properly. Wyle emphasized that the company should have been aware of the hazard and taken corrective action before the incident escalated.

Video Evidence

One of the more troubling aspects of the case revolves around Costco’s handling of video evidence. Wyle revealed that a company representative indicated there was footage of the incident but refused to provide access to it. “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.’” This prompted Wyle to file the lawsuit as a necessary step in his pursuit of the truth, illustrating the complexities often faced in legal battles against large corporations. Within an hour of the cabinet’s fall, Novotny was rushed to the hospital when she began experiencing alarming symptoms. “She told her husband she felt ‘really bad,’” Wyle relayed, pointing to the urgency of medical intervention. Upon arrival, doctors diagnosed her with a concussion, but the extent of her head injury remains uncertain.

Seeking Compensation

Although Novotny is reportedly feeling “slightly better,” she continues to battle debilitating headaches and vision problems stemming from the accident. She claims her life has been irrevocably altered, with ongoing medical costs estimated at $2 million. In addition to this, the lawsuit seeks compensation for lost earnings and future earning capacity, projected at an additional $2 million. This lawsuit has garnered considerable media and public attention, reigniting conversations about the safety of retail environments and corporate accountability. Many consumers are left to wonder how often they may be exposed to hazards in stores. As social media buzzes with reactions, public sentiment appears to lean toward advocating for greater safety measures to protect shoppers.

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