A metal panel falling from a cash register system has led to a lawsuit against a major wholesale corporation. Mary Thompson filed the complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, on September 10, 2024, naming Costco Wholesale Corporation and John Doe as defendants.
The incident occurred on December 12, 2021, when Thompson was shopping at the Costco Wholesale Warehouse located at 1873 W. Lantana Road in Lantana, Palm Beach County. According to the complaint, Thompson was injured when a metal panel fell from the cash register system while she was in the checkout line. The plaintiff alleges that this created a hazardous condition that resulted in her injuries.
Thompson's lawsuit accuses Costco of negligence on multiple fronts. The complaint asserts that Costco had a non-delegable duty to maintain its premises in a reasonably safe condition for customers and to warn them of any latent or concealed dangers. Specifically, it claims that Costco failed to secure the metal panel properly and did not adequately inspect or repair the cash register system. "Defendant, COSTCO, was negligent and breached its duties to Plaintiff," reads one part of the filing. The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions.
The lawsuit also targets John Doe—identified as either the warehouse manager or duty manager responsible for maintaining and supervising operations at the store where Thompson was injured. The complaint holds John Doe personally liable for executing Costco’s policies negligently. It states that he failed to maintain a safe environment by not securing the metal panel properly or warning about its potential danger. Citing case law such as White v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., it argues that John Doe's direct involvement makes him personally accountable.
Thompson is demanding judgment against both defendants for damages exceeding $50,000 each plus costs and interest. She seeks further relief deemed just and equitable by the court.
Representing Mary Thompson is Koppel & Associates P.A., with Wayne Koppel listed as her attorney. The case has been filed under Case Number 502024CA008617XXXAMB Div: AO.