Defense Jury Verdict in Bleach Spill Lawsuit Against Walmart and Clorox

Valeria Segoviano Hernandez vs. Walmart Inc., et al.

Case Background

On May 18, 2021, Valeria Segoviano Hernandez filed a personal injury lawsuit against Walmart Inc. and Clorox Company after sustaining severe chemical burns after a bleach spill. The lawsuit claimed that the bottle design was defective and alleged negligence. The case was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Melvin D. Sandvig, Andrew E. Cooper, Michelle Williams Court, and Serena R. Murillo presided over this bleach spill lawsuit. [Case number: 21STCV18579]

Cause

Defendant Clorox Company, Inc., manufactured, marketed, and distributed consumer products, including sodium hypochlorite, widely recognized as liquid bleach. Meanwhile, Defendant Walmart, Inc., operated a global chain of hypermarkets, discount stores, and grocery outlets, including locations across California. Walmart advertised and sold sodium hypochlorite bleach, manufactured and supplied by Clorox. On May 25, 2020, Plaintiff Valeria Segoviano Hernandez, a young mother, visited a Walmart store at 25450 The Old Road in Stevenson Ranch with her toddler. While shopping, she attempted to remove a bottle of Clorox bleach from a shelf approximately at shoulder height. As she lifted the bottle, its plastic cap detached unexpectedly, spilling bleach onto her left arm and hand, causing chemical burns. Sodium hypochlorite, a widely used cleaning product, poses significant risks due to its highly corrosive nature (pH 11–13). While effective in destroying bacteria, it can cause severe harm to human health, as seen in Valeria Segoviano Hernandez’s case. Skin contact with sodium hypochlorite damages tissue strips protective barriers and leaves skin vulnerable to infections and irritants. Even brief exposure can result in burns or long-term damage, while sunlight or UV exposure after contact increases the risk of further skin damage and discoloration. Inhaling its fumes may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and lead to chronic respiratory issues. Despite these dangers, Clorox failed to implement safety seals under bottle caps, a standard ind