Kristy White v. Costco Wholesale Corporation

I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

This matter arises out of injuries White suffered from tripping and falling while shopping at one of Defendant Costco Wholesale Corporation’s (“Costco”) properties. [Dkt. 1-2 at 3]. On January 20, 2023, White stepped and tripped on a hose in the gas station causing her to fall and suffer injury and pain. Id. White alleges that her trip and fall was a result of Costco and its employees’ negligence in maintaining the property such that it was unsafe and dangerous to the general Page 1 of CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Initials of Deputy Clerk iv public. [Id. at 4–5]. White asserts theories of negligence and premises liability as to the actions of Costco, Monique Doe, and Does 1-25. Id. White filed her Complaint in Riverside County Superior Court on May 3, 2023. Id. Costco removed this action on May 3, 2024. [Dkt. 1].

II. LEGAL STANDARD

Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. Kokkonen v. Guardian Life Ins. Co. of Am., 511 U.S. 375, 377 (1994). Thus, federal courts can only hear cases if “there is a valid basis for federal jurisdiction.” Ayala v. Am. Airlines, Inc., No. 2:23-cv-03571-MEMF-MAR, 2023 WL 6534199, at *1 (C.D. Cal. Oct. 6,…