Costco Water Damage / What Costco's attorney told the judge
Costco's attorney tells the judge his client is "a $440 billion market cap corporation"
"the court issues the protective order to protect the high-ranking executive, in this case, of a $440 billion market cap corporation, an international corporation that is 13th on the Fortune 500 list."
Kevin Jakab, Costco's attorney. Hearing of October 28, 2026, Byrd v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, St. Johns County, Florida, at 6:47.
Said while arguing that a Costco vice president should not have to answer questions under oath. Counsel for the plaintiffs told the judge a two-hour deposition by Zoom would be enough.
More from the same hearing
"once the refrigerator is picked up, it's not Costco's responsibility, it is the vendor's responsibility."
Kevin Jakab, Costco's attorney. October 28, 2026.
Costco's attorney was describing the case to the judge at the start of his argument. The refrigerator was bought from Costco with delivery and installation. It was installed in the plaintiffs' home on December 2, 2024.
"Evidently, they do not connect a hose. The refrigerator leaks."
Kevin Jakab, Costco's attorney. October 28, 2026.
Costco's own attorney describing to the judge what happened. In its court filings Costco still calls the leak "alleged."
"if there was something that leaked or something that went wrong, we will try to work it out."
Kevin Jakab, Costco's attorney. October 28, 2026.
Costco's attorney telling the judge what Costco's vice president of logistics said to the customer. He calls RXO "our vendor." The claim has not been worked out.