A woman has filed a lawsuit against a major coffee chain, alleging severe injuries from a hot beverage. On July 16, 2024, Bonita Tidwell filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles against Starbucks Corporation. The case centers around an incident that occurred on February 21, 2024.
According to the complaint, Tidwell was at a Starbucks location in Marina Del Rey when she ordered tea. The lawsuit claims that the employee who served her did not secure the lid properly and handed her tea that was heated to an unreasonable temperature. As a result, the tea spilled on Tidwell's left arm, causing second-degree burns. "Defendants had notice of the dangerous condition because they used and were responsible for the ownership, operation, inspection, maintenance and upkeep of the Starbucks," states the complaint.
Tidwell alleges that Starbucks failed in several areas: negligence in serving excessively hot beverages, negligent hiring and supervision of employees, and premises liability. The plaintiff argues that Starbucks knew or should have known about similar incidents involving defective cup lids and overly hot beverages but failed to take appropriate action. "There have been numerous reports from customers, employees and the public concerning problems with the lids of cups used by Starbucks Corporation," reads one part of the complaint.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $35,000 for medical expenses, economic loss including lost wages, non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, and pre-trial interest. She also demands a jury trial to resolve these issues.
Representing Bonita Tidwell is Casey E. Kilday from Morgan & Morgan LLP. The case has been assigned Case No.: 24S hi owos4 ae.