Woman alleges Costco cabinet display fell on her in $14M lawsuit
(NewsNation) — A California woman has sued Costco Wholesale Corporation for more than $14 million in damages after she says a cabinet display fell on her while shopping.
Sadie Novotny said she was shopping at the big-box retailer's Santa Rosa, California, location on March 22 when a heavy liquor cabinet display fell on her, according to a lawsuit obtained by multiple outlets.
The suit alleges the incident caused 'multiple, permanent and catastrophic' injuries, including some to her head and brain.
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Novotny is suing Costco for general negligence, premises liability and products liability.
She alleges Costco 'negligently failed to adequately manage and or operate their store and or their merchandise' and 'negligently failed to train, manage and supervise their employees.'
That negligence, paired with the cabinet's 'thin legs' and positioning on an 'inadequate wooden pallet,' caused the cabinet to fall, Novotny's lawsuit says.
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The $14 million in damages includes $5 million for emotional distress and another $5 million for pain, suffering and inconvenience, according to the lawsuit.
NewsNation has reached out to Costco for comment.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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