Overview

• Novotny is suing for over $14 million in damages, alleging significant pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical costs and lost earnings.
• On March 22, a cabinet display allegedly toppled onto her at the Santa Rosa Costco, leaving her with multiple permanent injuries, including a traumatic brain injury.
• The complaint claims the cabinet was unstable because it had thin legs and sat on a worn wooden pallet, and that Costco failed to warn shoppers or train staff.
• Costco moved the case from Alameda County Superior Court to the Northern District Court at its request.
• A September case management hearing will allow federal judges to review the evidence and could influence future big-box retail safety protocols.