Top Costco Slip and Fall Lawsuit Settlements

Major Payouts, Legal Insights, and What Injured Shoppers Should Know

Costco is one of the largest warehouse retailers in the United States, with over 850 locations and millions of daily shoppers. While known for bulk savings and efficiency, Costco stores have also been the site of numerous premises liability claims—particularly slip and fall accidents. These incidents often result in serious injuries and substantial settlements, especially when store negligence is clearly documented.

This article highlights the most significant slip and fall settlements involving Costco, explains how these cases are evaluated, and outlines what injured customers should know when considering legal action.

Expanded List of Costco Slip and Fall Settlements

Slip and fall cases against Costco have resulted in a wide range of settlements, from modest payouts for minor injuries to six- and seven-figure awards for catastrophic harm. Below is a detailed look at some of the most notable cases:

$175,000 – Hip Fracture from Refrigerated Aisle Spill

Maria Martinez, 58, slipped on spilled liquid in the refrigerated section of a California Costco. Surveillance footage showed the spill had been present for over 30 minutes, and multiple employees walked past without addressing it. Martinez suffered a broken hip requiring surgery and a titanium plate insertion, followed by three months of physical therapy. Her medical expenses totaled $65,000, and she lost $20,000 in wages. Costco settled for $175,000 after her attorney presented clear evidence of negligence.

$250,000 – Back Injury from Wet Entrance

A shopper in Oregon slipped on a wet floor near the entrance during a rainy day. The store had failed to place warning signs or mats. The customer suffered a herniated disc and required spinal surgery. Costco settled for $250,000 after internal emails revealed staff had been instructed to monitor the area but failed to do so.

$325,000 – Shoulder Injury from Aisle Spill

In Arizona, a man slipped on spilled olive oil in the grocery section. He sustained a torn rotator cuff and required surgery. The store had no documentation of recent aisle inspections. The case settled for $325,000 after depositions revealed that employees were not actively monitoring for hazards.

$600,000 – Trip Over Pallet in Walkway

A customer in Texas tripped over a pallet left in the middle of an aisle. The fall resulted in a broken wrist and concussion. Costco settled for $600,000 after admitting the pallet had not been placed according to store policy.

$150,000 – Slip on Cleaning Solution

A woman slipped on a puddle of cleaning solution left behind by a janitor in the electronics section. The area lacked warning signs. The fall resulted in chronic back pain and missed work. Costco settled for $150,000 after admitting procedural violations.

$275,000 – Fall in Restroom Due to Overflow

In Nevada, a customer slipped in a restroom where a toilet had overflowed. The store had received complaints but failed to close the area or post warnings. The customer suffered a knee injury and settled for $275,000.

$200,000 – Trip Over Floor Mat

A man tripped over a curled floor mat near the entrance of a Costco in Colorado. He broke his wrist and suffered nerve damage. The store had received prior complaints about the mat but failed to replace it. The case settled for $200,000.

$225,000 – Fall in Parking Lot Due to Poor Lighting

A customer fell in a poorly lit Costco parking lot in Washington. She fractured her ankle and required surgery. The store had failed to replace broken light fixtures despite multiple reports. Costco settled for $225,000.

What These Settlements Reveal

These cases highlight recurring issues in Costco stores:

  • Delayed response to spills and hazards
  • Inadequate signage or warning systems
  • Poor maintenance of walkways and restrooms
  • Failure to follow internal safety protocols
  • Negligence in addressing known risks

The size of these settlements reflects not only the severity of injuries but also Costco’s liability when it fails to act on known dangers.

What to Do If You’re Injured in a Costco Store

If you’ve experienced a slip and fall in a Costco location, take these steps:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately
  2. Report the incident to store management and request a written report
  3. Document the scene with photos and witness contact information
  4. Preserve evidence, including clothing and receipts
  5. Contact a slip and fall accident attorney in San Diego with experience in premises liability

Legal representation is crucial for navigating Costco’s claims process and negotiating a fair settlement.

Why Legal Action Matters

Slip and fall lawsuits are not just about financial recovery—they’re about accountability. Retailers like Costco have a duty to maintain safe premises. When they fail, legal action helps:

  • Prevent future injuries
  • Improve store safety protocols
  • Empower injured customers to recover financially
  • Raise public awareness about premises liability

For many victims, pursuing justice is a vital step in healing.

Why Contact The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock

At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we represent individuals injured in retail environments, including slip and fall accidents at Costco. Our firm offers:

  • Decades of experience in premises liability litigation
  • Strategic coordination with medical experts and investigators
  • Compassionate, client-centered representation
  • A proven track record of securing substantial settlements

If you or a loved one was injured in a Costco slip and fall incident, contact our San Diego office today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue justice with clarity and resolve.

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