Gretna woman awarded $3.6 million in Costco lawsuit; company appeals
By Izzy Fonfara Drewel
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OMAHA, Neb. (KETV) — Costco is appealing a jury’s decision to award more than $3.6 million in damages to Kelly Rocha, a Gretna woman who alleged a Costco employee dropped a patio table on her back in 2018, causing permanent injuries.
In her lawsuit, Rocha said she has a permanent neck injury and nerve damage. She alleged Costco was liable for the negligence of its workers.
According to court documents, Rocha said she purchased a patio table from the Costco on West Dodge and 120th. She alleged the employee was loading the table into her vehicle when they dropped it, hitting her back.
Costco denied all allegations and, in its response filed in court, blamed Rocha for “her own negligence.”
Earlier this year, a jury awarded Rocha more than $3.6 million in damages. A month later, Costco filed a motion for a new trial, arguing the verdict was excessive and unsupported by evidence.
Court documents show a judge denied the motion but agreed the verdict was “on the high side.”
Costco is now appealing the judge’s decision with the Nebraska Court of Appeals. No hearing date has been set.
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