When shopping at Costco, you shouldn’t have to worry about dangerous conditions that could lead to serious injuries. Unfortunately, accidents happen at warehouse stores like Costco more often than many people realize. If you’ve been injured at a New Jersey Costco location, fighting for your rights can make the difference between struggling with medical bills and getting the compensation you deserve.
Get legal help from The Grossman Law Firm. With over 27 years of experience, we are one of the highest-rated personal injury firms in New Jersey, winning deca-millions in compensation for our clients. We know how to handle Costco accident claims in New Jersey, and offer our services for no legal fee unless we win for you.
Talk to us at Grossman Law in a free consultation. Call us at (732) 625-9494.
Why Costco Accidents Are More Common Than You Think
Warehouse stores present unique hazards that traditional retail stores don’t face. The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) reports that slip and fall incidents lead to more than 8 million emergency room visits annually nationwide. At Costco, several factors contribute to accident risks:
- High-traffic volume: New Jersey Costco locations see thousands of customers daily, increasing wear on floors and creating more opportunities for spills and debris.
- Bulk merchandise: Heavy pallets, oversized products, and unstable displays can fall or create walking hazards in aisles.
- Food court areas: Spilled drinks and food create slippery surfaces that may not be cleaned immediately.
- Warehouse layout: Wide aisles with concrete floors offer little cushioning if you fall, potentially leading to more severe injuries.
- Weather conditions: During New Jersey’s winter months, customers track in snow, ice, and salt, creating slippery entrance areas.
Common Types of Costco Accidents in New Jersey
Slip and Fall Accidents
The National Safety Council reports that falls are the second-leading cause of accidental injury deaths in the US. In 2023 alone, 47,026 people died after slipping, tripping, or falling.
Many of these incidents happen in retail environments. At Costco, slip-and-fall accidents commonly occur due to:
- Wet floors from spilled beverages or leaking refrigeration units
- Grease or food debris near the food court or deli section
- Inadequate floor mats at entrances during wet weather
- Recently mopped floors without proper warning signs
- Uneven surfaces or damaged flooring.
Falling Merchandise Injuries
Costco’s bulk storage system can lead to serious injuries when:
- Improperly stacked items fall from high shelves
- Customers attempt to reach items stored too high
- Heavy products shift during transport
- Pallets or displays become unstable.
Shopping Cart Accidents
With oversized shopping carts designed for bulk purchases, accidents can occur when:
- Carts tip over due to uneven weight distribution
- Malfunctioning wheels cause loss of control
- Overcrowded aisles lead to collisions.
Parking Lot Incidents
Costco parking lots may present their own set of dangers:
- Inadequate lighting creating visibility issues
- Poorly maintained surfaces with potholes or cracks
- Snow and ice removal failures during winter
- Inadequate security leading to criminal activity.
Your Rights Under New Jersey Law After A Costco Accident
New Jersey premises liability law protects customers who are injured due to property owner negligence. The New Jersey Supreme Court defines an invitee as someone who enters property “by invitation, express or implied, generally for some business purpose of the owner.” As a Costco customer, you’re considered a “business invitee,” which means Costco owes you the highest duty of care under state law.
Costco’s Legal Obligations in New Jersey
New Jersey’s highest court has established that invitees are owed “a duty of reasonable care to guard against any dangerous conditions on his or her property that the owner either knows about or should have discovered. That standard of care encompasses the duty to conduct a reasonable inspection to discover latent dangerous conditions”.
This means Costco must:
- Regularly inspect their property for hazards
- Promptly clean up spills and remove debris
- Warn customers of potential dangers
- Maintain safe walking surfaces
- Provide adequate lighting in all areas
- Keep merchandise properly secured.
New Jersey’s Comparative Negligence Law
New Jersey follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. Under this rule, injured parties can still obtain damages even when they bear some responsibility for their injuries, as long as their portion of fault doesn’t exceed the defendant’s.
For example, if a court determines you were 30% at fault for your slip and fall incident, and total damages equal $100,000, you could recover 70% of that amount, which equals $70,000.
Costco’s Corporate Responsibility
As one of the largest warehouse retailers in the world, Costco has both the resources and responsibility to maintain safe premises for customers. With annual revenues of over $200 billion as of September 2025, the company has substantial resources to maintain safe premises for customers.
When Costco fails to meet its safety obligations, injured customers shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone. New Jersey law recognizes this principle and provides legal remedies for those harmed by corporate negligence.
Proving Your Costco Accident Case
To win a premises liability case against Costco in New Jersey, you must prove four key elements:
1. Duty of Care
Costco owed you a duty to maintain safe premises as a business invitee.
2. Breach of Duty
Costco failed to meet their duty through action or inaction (like not cleaning a spill or failing to inspect for hazards).
3. Direct Connection
The hazardous condition was the direct cause of your accident and resulting injuries.
4. Actual Harm
You experienced real harm, such as medical bills, income loss, pain and suffering, or other damages.
Steps to Take Following a Costco Accident
First Actions to Take
- Get medical care: Have a healthcare professional examine you even if your injuries appear minor. Certain injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, might not display symptoms right away.
- Record everything: Photograph the accident location, the hazard that led to your fall, and any visible injuries. Collect witness contact details.
- Save physical evidence: Retain the clothing and footwear you had on during the incident, as these items could serve as crucial evidence.
- File an incident report: Alert Costco management and ask them to prepare an official accident report. Obtain a copy for your files.
- Keep records: Save all medical records, receipts, and documentation related to your accident and treatment.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t give recorded statements: Costco’s insurance company may contact you seeking a recorded statement. Respectfully refuse and direct them to speak with your legal counsel.
- Avoid signing documents: Don’t sign any paperwork until your attorney has reviewed it thoroughly.
- Don’t post on social media: Insurance companies monitor social media for evidence to use against your claim.
New Jersey’s Legal Deadlines
In New Jersey, injured individuals have two years from their accident date to file legal action seeking compensation from the liable party. This statute of limitations is strict, and missing this deadline could bar you from seeking compensation entirely.
Reach out to The Grossman Law Firm as soon as you can, even if you’re unsure of your next legal steps. In a free consultation, we’ll assess your case and guide you on your options.
Potential Recovery in New Jersey Costco Injury Cases
When you can establish that Costco’s negligence resulted in your injuries, you may be eligible for:
Financial Losses
- Healthcare costs (present and future)
- Income loss and diminished earning potential
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
- Damage to personal belongings.
Personal Impact
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
- Lasting disability or scarring.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the average cost of an emergency-room injury in the US is about $5,800 in medical bills plus $1,690 in missed work. The expenses only increase when the patient has to be hospitalized.
These demonstrate the costly nature of these injuries and their lasting consequences. This is why we at The Grossman Law Firm thoroughly examine each case, finding every type of loss our client has suffered. Our goal is to fully compensate our client, not just for their immediate costs but for the wide-ranging financial and emotional impact of their injury.
How Insurance Companies Handle Costco Claims
Costco carries substantial liability insurance, but don’t expect their insurance company to simply pay your claim without a fight. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts using tactics like:
- Questioning the severity of your injuries
- Arguing you were at fault for the accident
- Claiming the hazard was “open and obvious”
- Offering quick, low settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Having experienced legal representation levels the playing field and ensures you receive fair treatment.
Why You Need an Experienced New Jersey Personal Injury Attorney
Costco accident cases involve complex legal and factual issues that require thorough investigation and skilled advocacy. At Grossman Law, our experienced attorney will:
- Investigate the accident scene before evidence disappears
- Obtain surveillance footage from Costco’s security cameras
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Review Costco’s policies and procedures
- Consult with experts like safety engineers or medical professionals
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Calculate the full value of your claim
- Fight for maximum compensation.
About Scott Grossman and the Grossman Law Firm
For over 27 years, attorney Scott Grossman has guided and represented clients in the legal process of personal injury claims throughout New Jersey. Scott has assisted thousands of clients in securing fair and appropriate financial recovery.
Scott Grossman brings top-notch qualifications to premises liability cases:
Educational Background:
- Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac University in 1997
- Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Rutgers University
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from University of Maryland.
Professional Recognition:
- Selected to Super Lawyers for 2022 – 2025
- Long-standing member of the New Jersey Association for Justice (NJAJ) where he also served on the Board of Governors
The Grossman Law Firm has won deca-millions won in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We combine big-firm knowledge with personalized, small-firm service, as we ensure to treat each client like our own family.
Recent Success Stories
The Grossman Law Firm has built a reputation for securing substantial settlements and verdicts for injury victims throughout New Jersey. Attorney Scott Grossman and our legal team are deeply committed to their clients and offer personalized, dedicated attention to each case.
While every case is different, our firm has consistently achieved favorable outcomes for clients injured in premises liability cases. We’ve helped them recover maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Taking Action: What Happens Next
If you’ve been injured at a Costco in New Jersey, time is of the essence. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and most importantly, you have limited time under New Jersey law to file a claim.
Here’s what typically happens when you work with The Grossman Law Firm:
- Free consultation: We’ll review your case at no charge and explain your legal options.
- Investigation: Our team will thoroughly investigate your accident, gathering evidence and building your case.
- Negotiation: We’ll handle all communications with Costco and their insurance company, fighting for a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court to ensure you receive just compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if Costco says the hazard was obvious?
A: Just because a hazard might be visible doesn’t automatically bar your claim. The question is whether Costco had a reasonable duty to remove the hazard or warn customers about it.
Q: How much compensation can I expect for my Costco accident?
A: Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, and long-term impact. Minor injuries may result in thousands of dollars, while severe injuries involving permanent disability can reach six or seven figures.
Q: Should I accept Costco’s initial settlement offer?
A: Generally, no. Initial offers are typically much less than your case’s true value. This is common in personal injury cases, as insurance companies hope you’ll accept a lowball offer without understanding the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs. Always consult an attorney before accepting any settlement.
Q: What if I don’t have health insurance?
A: Don’t let lack of insurance prevent you from seeking medical care. Document your injuries and treatment needs, as these expenses can be recovered in your claim.
Contact an Experienced New Jersey Costco Accident Attorney Today
Don’t let a Costco accident derail your life or leave you struggling with medical bills and lost income. The Grossman Law Firm has the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Scott Grossman is a top-rated personal injury attorney who has dedicated his career to helping injury victims throughout New Jersey. Insurance companies routinely employ Delay, Deny and Defend strategies against their own policyholders during their most vulnerable moments. They frequently prioritize corporate profits over fair treatment. This makes having a skilled advocate essential.
Call (732) 625-9494 now for your free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
Grossman Law Firm represents individuals and families throughout New Jersey, covering areas such as Camden County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Passaic County, and other regions. We understand that every case is personal, and we’re committed to providing the compassionate, aggressive representation you need during this difficult time.
Don’t wait. Protect your rights and your future by contacting The Grossman Law Firm today.
