A slip-and-fall incident at a popular wholesale retailer has led to a lawsuit that could have significant implications for customer safety and corporate responsibility. On June 10, 2024, Kareli Yanez Arguelles filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Costco Wholesale Corporation and its general manager Cory Condren.
The complaint alleges that on July 22, 2022, Arguelles was shopping at the Costco located at 2201 Senter Rd., San Jose, CA when she slipped on grapes that had collected on the floor in the refrigeration department. The fall resulted in serious injuries for Arguelles. According to the court documents, Arguelles claims that both Costco and Condren were negligent in maintaining safe premises for their customers. "Defendants knew or should have known that allowing grapes to remain on the floor created a dangerous condition," reads one part of the complaint.
Arguelles' attorneys argue that Condren, as the general manager, failed to ensure routine inspections were conducted and did not properly train or supervise employees to maintain safe conditions within the store. The plaintiff further asserts that no warning signs or barriers were placed around the hazardous area to alert customers of potential danger. "Defendant Condren failed to properly supervise, train, and instruct Defendant Costco’s employees," alleges another section of the document.
The lawsuit brings forth two primary causes of action: premises liability and general negligence. In both instances, Arguelles claims that her injuries are a direct result of Costco's failure to maintain a safe environment for its patrons. The complaint seeks general damages for pain and suffering, special damages for medical expenses incurred due to the injury, personal property damages, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest as allowed by law, costs of suit incurred during litigation, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Kareli Yanez Arguelles are attorneys Jason B. Javaheri, Yosi Yahoudai, Alexander B. Boris, and Parham Nikfarjam from Javaheri & Yahoudai APLC. The case is being presided over by Judge C. Roman under Case ID No. 240V440792.