A California woman is suing Costco for more than $14 million after a cabinet allegedly fell on top of her in a store – claiming the incident caused her a traumatic brain injury.
Sadie Novotny was walking down a Costco store aisle on March 22 when a heavy liquor cabinet fell and pinned her to the ground, a complaint filed in April alleged.
The Bay Area woman claimed the large cabinet had “thin legs” and was balanced precariously on a “worn” and “inadequate” wooden pallet in a Costco store in Santa Rosa, according to the lawsuit.
The incident allegedly left Novotny with multiple permanent and severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury, the suit said.
Novotny is seeking approximately $5 million for pain, suffering and inconvenience; $5 million for emotional distress; $100,000 for medical expenses and loss of earnings; and $4 million for future medical expenses and loss of earnings.
The plaintiff, 46, works as a private practice psychotherapist, specializing in marriage and family counseling, according to her LinkedIn and several background check sites.
The lawsuit alleges Costco is responsible for negligence in failing to adequately operate its store and manage merchandise, as well as failing to train, manage and supervise employees so the heavy liquor cabinet did not fall on the plaintiff.
Lawyers for Novotny and Costco did not immediately respond to noti.group’s requests for comment.
While the suit was originally filed in Alameda County Superior Court, it was moved to the Northern District Court at Costco’s request.
Both parties are due in court in September for a case management meeting.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
