Peter Aurigemma Jr. of North Salem filed the seven-page lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford, claims that he was severely injured when he was reaching for a package of paper towels from the top of a display 7- to 8-feet high when he was struck in the face by a falling steel rod.
The suit, which was filed for Aurigemma by his attorney, Christopher Sochacki of Litchfield-based Cramer & Anderson, states he was hit above his left eye by the rod that was approximately 40 inches long, causing serious injuries.
The lawsuits says he suffered facial trauma, bruising and lacerations, soft tissue damage, a pinched nerve, nerve and muscle damage, a concussion, muscle damage to his face and around his left eye, neurological dexterity deficiencies in his left hand, migraine headaches, depth perception problems, light and noise sensitivities, change in mood and behavior, irreversible brain damage, among other injuries.
Aurigemma is seeking at least $75,000 in damages.
The suit claims Costco should be held liable for the injuries due to its "negligence and carelessness," and for having "dangerous or defective conditions."
Costco said it does not comment on pending lawsuits.
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