A California lady has filed a $14 million lawsuit against Costco, alleging that the retail giant’s negligence caused a heavy liquor cabinet to collapse on her during a shopping trip, resulting in serious injuries, according to several sources.
On April 29, Sadie Novotny of Santa Rosa filed a case charging Costco of general negligence, premises responsibility, and product liability in connection with the March 22 incident at a local Costco store.
According to the lawsuit, Novotny was shopping with her husband when a display cabinet toppled on her “without warning.”
According to Costco’s incident report, which is attached to the lawsuit, Novotny and her husband were trying to purchase the liquor cabinet when the floor model knocked over. She reportedly grabbed and pushed the cabinet back, but then felt agony in her right shoulder, forearm, hand, fingers, and lower back.
The lawsuit argues that the cabinet was in a “dangerous and/or precarious position” because of its thin legs and insecure placement on a decrepit wooden pallet. It also claims that Costco neglected to adequately protect the display and teach personnel in merchandise safety measures.
Novotny claims that the accident caused her “multiple, permanent, and catastrophic” ailments, including a traumatic brain injury.
The lawsuit wants $14.11 million in damages. Her case demands $5 million in damages for emotional distress and pain and suffering, $2 million in future medical bills and lost earnings, and further compensation for current medical costs, lost wages, and home services. She claims that the accident was caused by store management’s negligence and employee oversight.
Reference: Costco faces $14M lawsuit after California shopper ‘permanently’ injured in store accident