Common Costco Slip & Fall Settlement Amounts in California
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Shirt answer: Slip and fall settlements at Costco range from approximately $2,000-$15,000 for minor injuries (bruises, sprains), $15,000-$50,000 for moderate injuries (fractures, torn ligaments), and $50,000-$250,000+ for severe injuries requiring surgery or causing permanent impairment.
The actual settlement amount depends heavily on proving Costco’s negligence, your medical expenses, lost wages, and the specific circumstances of your case.
Overview of Costco Slip and Fall Compensation
| Injury Severity | Settlement Amount | Example Injuries |
| Minor | Approximately: $2,000 – $15,000 | Bruises, sprains, minor cuts, temporary soft tissue injuries, minor back pain |
| Moderate | Approximately: $15,000 – $50,000 | – Fractures (simple), herniated discs, moderate soft tissue damage, torn ligaments, concussions |
| Severe | Approximately: $50,000 – $250,000 | Multiple or complex fractures, severe back/neck injuries, surgery required, significant nerve damage, TBI (traumatic brain injury) |
| Catastrophic | Approximately: $250,000 – $1,000,000+ | – Spinal cord damage, severe TBI, paralysis, amputations, injuries requiring lifelong care |
*Please note, the figures presented in this chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.
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Costco Slip and Fall Case Examples
*Below are a few fictitious examples of grocery store slip and fall settlements. The figures presented in are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee.
Successful Case Example
Martinez v. Costco: Maria Martinez, 58, slipped on spilled liquid in the refrigerated section that had been on the floor for over 30 minutes without being cleaned up or marked with warning signs. Store surveillance confirmed multiple employees had walked past the hazard 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 during her recovery period.
Outcome: Costco settled for $175,000 after Martinez’s attorney presented evidence showing clear negligence (store employees were visible on camera ignoring the spill) and documentation of proper store maintenance procedures not being followed.
Unsuccessful Case Example
Daniels v. Costco Robert Daniels, 42, claimed he slipped on a wet floor near the entrance of a Costco warehouse during a rainy day. He reported back injuries and sought compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Daniels’ claim was denied by Costco’s claims department before filing a lawsuit because:
- Store security footage showed yellow “Caution: Wet Floor” signs were properly placed in the area
- Floor mats were installed at the entrance to reduce slipping hazards
- An employee was actively mopping and maintaining the area
- The incident report noted Daniels was texting on his phone while walking
- Medical records showed limited injury documentation and revealed undisclosed pre-existing back conditions
Outcome: After Daniels’ initial demand of $40,000 was rejected by Costco’s insurance, his attorney advised that they had limited grounds for a successful lawsuit due to the store’s documented safety precautions and his potential comparative negligence. The case was dismissed when Daniels couldn’t establish Costco’s failure to provide reasonable care.
Keys to a Successful Costco Slip and Fall Settlement
- Documentation of the Hazard
- Photos/videos of the condition that caused the fall
- Witness statements confirming the hazard existed
- Incident reports filed immediately with store management
- Proving Negligence
- Evidence showing Costco knew or should have known about the hazard
- Documentation that the hazard existed for an unreasonable time
- Proof that proper safety protocols weren’t followed
- Medical Evidence
- Immediate medical attention following the incident
- Comprehensive medical records linking injuries to the fall
- Physician testimony about injury severity and prognosis
- Follow all prescribed treatments and appointments
- Financial Impact Documentation
- Medical bills and projected future medical expenses
- Proof of lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Documentation of out-of-pocket expenses related to injuries
- Limited Comparative Negligence
- Minimal contributory negligence on your part
- Evidence you were exercising reasonable care
- Not wearing inappropriate footwear or being distracted
- Professional Legal Representation
- Attorney experienced with premises liability cases
- Legal team familiar with Costco’s settlement procedures
- Skilled negotiators who understand fair compensation values
- Timing and Communication
- Filing claims within the statute of limitations
- Consistent and professional communication
- Patience during settlement negotiations
- Preservation of Evidence
- Keeping unwashed clothing worn during the incident
- Saving shoes worn during the fall
- Requesting preservation of store surveillance footage
Biggest Challenges When Suing Costco for a Slip and Fall
- Costco’s Rigorous Safety Protocols
- Well-established cleaning schedules and documentation
- Regular employee safety training and hazard awareness
- Frequent floor checks with documented inspection logs
- Surveillance Coverage
- Extensive camera systems throughout warehouses
- Video evidence that might show customer inattention or contributory negligence
- Footage revealing safety measures were in place
- Corporate Legal Resources
- Dedicated in-house legal team specializing in premises liability
- Significant financial resources to defend claims
- Experience handling similar cases nationwide
- Member Agreement Considerations
- Membership agreements may contain clauses affecting liability
- Potential mandatory arbitration provisions
- Possible limitations on where suits can be filed
- Proving Notice of Hazard
- Difficulty establishing how long the hazard existed
- Burden of proving Costco knew or should have known about the danger
- Challenges obtaining internal records showing prior incidents
- Comparative Negligence Defense
- Costco may argue customer wasn’t paying attention
- Open and obvious hazard defenses
- Claims that appropriate warnings were provided
- Medical Causation Issues
- Connecting injuries directly to the incident
- Defending against claims of pre-existing conditions
- Medical expert testimony requirements
- High Settlement Thresholds
- Costco’s reputation for fighting questionable claims
- Willingness to litigate rather than settle dubious cases
- Requiring substantial evidence before offering significant settlements
Have Questions About Your Potential Slip and Fall Case?
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