A young girl has filed a lawsuit against a major coffee chain, alleging severe burns from a hot beverage. On June 17, 2024, Julia Witt, through her guardian ad litem Katherine Witt, filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, against Starbucks Corporation.
According to the complaint, on November 2, 2023, Julia Witt visited a Starbucks location at 17901 Chatsworth Street in Granada Hills to pick up two drinks: a Venti Citrus Mint Tea and a Grande Praline Latte. The tea was double-cupped but reportedly not properly secured. After receiving the drinks from an employee identified as Doe 1, who failed to warn her about the temperature of the beverages, Julia walked towards a nearby Panda Express. Before reaching her destination, the lid of the hot tea popped off and spilled onto her left wrist, causing severe burns.
The lawsuit outlines multiple causes of action including negligence, strict liability for manufacturing and design defects, failure to warn, breach of implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, and negligent hiring or supervision. "Defendants STARBUCKS and Does 1 to 100 inclusive had a legal duty to use reasonable care in owning and operating the store," reads one part of the complaint. The plaintiff alleges that Starbucks failed in their duty by serving an excessively hot beverage without proper warnings or securing measures.
Julia Witt is seeking general damages for pain and suffering as well as special damages for medical expenses incurred due to her injuries. She also seeks consequential damages for any future medical costs related to her treatment. Additionally, she demands attorney's fees and court costs.
Representing Julia Witt is Daniel An from the Law Offices of Daniel An PC. The case has been assigned Case No.: #40 Hie O11 with David W. Slayton serving as Executive Officer/Clerk of Court.