Family settles coffee spill suit against St. Louis Bread Co. owners

The parents of an infant allegedly burned by spilled coffee at a St. Louis Bread Company store have settled their case.

Plaintiffs Jatonya and Larry Hopkins Sr. filed motions asking St. Clair County Circuit Judge Robert LeChien to approve their settlement with Panera Bread Company Inc. and its manager Daniel Williams and to appoint a guardian ad litem for their son, Larry Hopkins Jr., Feb. 9.

The Hopkinses have agreed to settle their suit for $6,250.00.

The couple sued the owner of the St. Louis Bread Company chain and Williams for burns Larry Hopkins Jr. alleged suffered when coffee spilled on him at a St. Louis Bread Company store in Shiloh.

His parents alleged that Williams brought the coffee to Jatonya Hopkins without her asking and set it behind her on a table without warning her.

The coffee was knocked over, causing the hot liquid to spill on the infant.

The suit sought damages in excess of $100,000 and costs.

The defendants denied the claims and argued that Jatonya Hopkins contributed to the incident.

A status conference is set in the case May 5 at 9:30 a.m.

According to the Feb. 9 request, attorney Rebecca Van Court has agreed to serve as guardian ad litem.

Matthew Marlen represents the plaintiffs.

Beth Boggs represents the defense.

The case is St. Clair case number 09-L-195.