Woman sues Riverside Starbucks after drive-thru coffee spill causes second-degree burns

Leota Walker sued a Starbucks in Riverside County after a drive-thru coffee lid detached at the Wildomar store, spilling boiling liquid onto her stomach, inner thighs and genital area. She sustained second-degree burns and required several weeks of hospital care, including surgery. Her lawyer, Daniel DeSantis, contended that Starbucks has been aware for years that its drinks are served excessively hot and has not altered its safety procedures.

The filing references additional customer complaints found online about faulty lids. Walker is demanding damages for lost earnings, physical suffering and emotional distress. The lawsuit follows a recent $50 million award in Los Angeles County for a comparable claim against the coffee chain. Starbucks has not provided a comment.