A Sonoma County woman sues Costco after a shocking injury at the Santa Rosa warehouse, claiming a massive cabinet fell on her head while she shopped. The woman, identified as Sadie Novotny, filed a $14 million lawsuit, stating that the March 22 incident left her with a traumatic brain injury and ongoing health challenges. The legal action marks a high-profile case of alleged negligence against one of the nation’s biggest retail chains.
Sonoma County Woman Sues Costco Over Serious Head Injury
The woman sues Costco not just for compensation but to highlight what she describes as reckless store safety practices. According to her complaint, she was browsing a sale section in the Santa Rosa store when a large cabinet display, placed on a worn wooden pallet, suddenly tipped and struck her.
Key allegations from her lawsuit include:
- The display was unstable and poorly positioned
- There were no warning signs or staff nearby
- Costco failed to inspect or secure the display
- The wooden pallet was defective or weak
The result, according to Novotny, was a traumatic brain injury that continues to affect her ability to work and function day-to-day.
Lawsuit Details: $14 Million Claim in Federal Court
The original lawsuit was filed in state court on April 29. However, Costco moved the case to federal court in early June, citing corporate jurisdiction and its headquarters outside California. The federal court in San Francisco is now preparing for the first hearing, expected in September.
The $14 million claim is based on:
- Ongoing medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earnings and future work potential
- Emotional trauma
Novotny is demanding a jury trial. Her attorneys argue that her injury could have been entirely avoided if Costco had exercised basic care.
Head Injuries in Retail Stores: A Growing Concern
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from falling objects in retail settings are more common than many assume. Large warehouse-style stores like Costco often stack or display bulky items in ways that pose potential risks. Novotny’s lawsuit brings new attention to this issue, sparking discussions about how safe these environments really are for the average shopper.
Injury risks from falling objects may include:
- Concussions
- Brain bleeds or swelling
- Cognitive impairments
- Long-term physical and emotional symptoms
Shoppers often don’t notice unstable setups until it’s too late, which is why retailers are legally obligated to prioritize customer safety in every aisle.
How Costco Might Respond
Costco has not yet issued a public statement regarding this specific case. However, in similar situations, companies typically argue that displays are inspected regularly and that customer behavior may have contributed to the incident. Legal experts say Costco may try to reach a private settlement to avoid a public trial.
Still, with a $14 million demand on the table and significant injuries reported, the case is expected to proceed into the discovery phase this summer.
Why This Case Matters Beyond One Store
The reason this case is making headlines isn’t just the dollar amount. When a woman sues Costco for an injury of this scale, it raises larger questions about how corporations balance operational efficiency with safety.
Possible outcomes and broader implications include:
- National retailers reviewing safety protocols
- Stricter pallet and display regulations
- Improved employee training on hazard prevention
- Shoppers becoming more aware of their surroundings
If Novotny wins or secures a large settlement, it could set a legal precedent for future retail injury claims.
What Happens Next in the Case?
Here’s a brief breakdown of what to expect:
- Now–August: Legal discovery begins — both sides exchange documents and evidence
- September: Preliminary hearing in federal court
- Fall 2025: Potential for mediation or trial setting, depending on whether parties negotiate a settlement
Whether the case settles quietly or goes public with a courtroom showdown, the impact will likely ripple through the retail industry.
Stay Alert While Shopping
This case reminds everyone to stay aware of their surroundings in large stores. If you see an unstable display, report it immediately to store staff. It only takes a moment for a serious injury to occur.
The fact that a woman sues Costco for a head injury is more than a personal lawsuit—it’s a wake-up call about safety in public spaces. As more shoppers speak up, stores may finally be forced to take better preventative steps.
If you’ve ever had a close call in a warehouse store or noticed risky displays, now is the time to raise your voice. Share your story, protect others, and help ensure safety becomes the top priority.