Bay area woman sues Costco for $14 million after cabinet display collapse causes brain injury

A casual shopping trip turned into a life-altering nightmare for one Bay Area woman, and now, she is taking on retail behemoth Costco in a courtroom showdown worth over $14 million.

Costco's Bay area | Credit: X

What is the Costco controversy about?

Sadie Novotny, a Sonoma County resident, has filed a bombshell lawsuit against Costco Wholesale Corporation, accusing the retailer of gross negligence after she was reportedly crushed by a collapsing cabinet display while walking through the Santa Rosa location on March 22. The display, which was being promoted in a sales aisle, allegedly toppled over without warning and pinned her to the ground, causing catastrophic injuries, including a traumatic brain injury.

Bay Area woman sues Costco for over $14 million https://t.co/TzMM3B7k6B

¡ª Michael Kelley (@mckelley55) June 9, 2025

What does the suit alleges?

The suit alleges the cabinet was perched precariously on a flimsy and ¡°worn¡± wooden pallet, supported by ¡°thin legs,¡± making it dangerously unstable. According to the complaint, Costco failed to properly secure the structure, inspect it for risks, or even warn shoppers of the potential hazard. Furthermore, Novotny¡¯s legal team claims that employees were not adequately trained to manage or monitor such displays¡ªeffectively turning the aisle into a danger zone.

Costco's Bay area | Credit: X

Initially filed in Alameda County Superior Court, the case was later transferred to the Northern District federal court after Costco¡¯s legal team requested the change in jurisdiction.

The lawsuit demands for compensation

The injuries sustained, Novotny claims, are not just severe¡ªthey are permanent. Her lawsuit outlines an eye-watering demand for compensation: $5 million for physical pain and suffering, $5 million for emotional trauma, $100,000 to cover past medical bills and lost wages, and another $4 million for future medical expenses and lost earnings due to her ongoing condition.

Costco's Bay area | Credit: X

Legal analysts say this case could set a precedent for how big-box stores handle in-store product displays and customer safety. The court has scheduled a case management meeting for September, where both parties are expected to outline their positions and possibly inch closer to a settlement¡ªor dig their heels in for a lengthy legal battle.

For now, Novotny¡¯s case stands as a stark reminder: even a routine trip to your local warehouse store can come with unexpected, and devastating, consequences.