Doctor Sues Restaurant Over Spicy Appetizer; Trial Date Set: Report
LOS GATOS, CA — A lawsuit brought by a doctor who claims an appetizer at a Bay Area restaurant caused her permanent injuries is set for a jury trial next year, according to SiliconValley.com .
Harjasleen Walia sued Coup de Thai last year, seeking over $35,000 in medical expenses, lost income and damages because the Los Gatos restaurant's Dragon Balls were "unfit for human consumption" and burned her vocal cords, esophagus and right nostril, the outlet reported.
The restaurant's menu describes the dish as "spicy chicken ball fried with mint, shallot, green onion, cilantro, kaffir lime leaves, chili, and rice powder, served hot."
Walia ordered the appetizer in July 2021 and asked for it to be less spicy than advertised, but the restaurant accidentally made it more spicy, according to SiliconValley.com, citing a court filing.
The business denied causing injury and a supervisor said Dragon Balls can't be made milder than the standard menu offering because the chili is in the balls, the outlet reported, adding the trial is set for Aug. 25.
