A shocking incident involving a malfunctioning kitchen appliance has led to a legal battle in California. On March 11, 2025, Pia Brielle Lara-Rodriguez, represented by her Guardian ad Litem Mijo Cavallaro, filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco against Bodum USA, Inc. The lawsuit accuses Bodum of negligence and strict product liability after an alleged defect in their French Press coffee maker caused severe injuries to the plaintiff.
The case stems from an incident on August 13, 2024, when Pia and her father were using a Bodum French Press at their home. According to the complaint, as Pia's father held the press and she pressed down on it as intended, the device malfunctioned and sprayed hot liquid onto Pia, causing significant injuries. The plaintiff claims that this was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of failures associated with this model of French Press. The lawsuit asserts that Bodum was aware of similar past incidents yet continued to manufacture and distribute the defective product without adequate warnings or design corrections.
Pia Brielle Lara-Rodriguez is seeking justice for what she describes as negligence on the part of Bodum USA and unnamed defendants referred to as Does 1-20. The complaint alleges that these parties were responsible for designing, manufacturing, and selling a dangerously defective product. It further accuses them of failing to warn consumers about potential risks despite having prior knowledge from previous claims and consumer complaints. This lack of action allegedly led to Pia's injuries when using the product in a foreseeable manner.
The lawsuit seeks several forms of relief from the court: general and special damages according to proof presented during trial; punitive damages due to what is described as oppression, fraud, or malice by Bodum; reimbursement for legal costs incurred; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. Representing Pia Brielle Lara-Rodriguez is attorney Ryan T. Dunn from Dunn & Panagotacos LLP.
This case will be heard under Case No. CGC-25-62316 in front of judges at the Superior Court of California in San Francisco County. The plaintiff's legal team hopes that through this litigation process they can secure compensation for medical expenses related to physical injuries sustained during this unfortunate event while also holding accountable those responsible for distributing potentially harmful products into consumer markets.