Bay Area Woman Sues Costco for Over $14 Million After Alleged Injury from Faulty Cabinet Display

A Sonoma County woman has filed a lawsuit against Costco Wholesale Corporation, seeking over $14 million in damages after allegedly suffering severe injuries from a faulty cabinet display that fell on her at one of the warehouse retailer’s locations.

The incident occurred on March 22, 2025, when Sadie Novotny was walking down an aisle at the Santa Rosa Costco, located at 1900 Santa Rosa Avenue, and a cabinet display, which was marked as “on sale,” fell and pinned her to the ground. The lawsuit claims that Novotny suffered multiple, permanent injuries, including a traumatic brain injury.

Details of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit, initially filed in Alameda County Superior Court, was later moved to the Northern District Court at Costco’s request. Novotny’s legal team argues that Costco is liable for negligence, premises liability, and product liability. The plaintiff claims that the cabinet, which was placed on a worn wooden pallet, was improperly displayed with thin legs, creating a dangerous risk of the display falling into the aisle.

According to the lawsuit, Costco failed to identify these unsafe conditions or provide any warnings to customers about the potential hazard. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Costco did not properly train its employees on handling such displays.

Compensation Sought

Novotny is seeking significant financial compensation, including:

• $5 million for pain, suffering, and inconvenience caused by the injuries

• $5 million for emotional distress

• $100,000 for medical expenses and loss of earnings to date

• An additional $4 million for future medical expenses and future loss of earnings

Upcoming Court Proceedings

Both parties are set to meet in court in September 2025 for a case management meeting to discuss the next steps in the legal proceedings.

The incident has drawn attention to the safety standards at Costco, as consumers and employees alike are questioning how such an accident could have occurred in one of the nation’s largest warehouse retailers.

As the case continues, many will be closely watching its outcome and whether Costco will be held accountable for the alleged negligence and hazardous conditions in their store.