The negligence lawsuit filed by Yesenia Cooper, mother of former adult film star Emily Willis, could be dismissed if she fails to meet a 30-day deadline to strengthen her legal claims.
Willis, legally named Litzy Lara Banuelos, experienced cardiac arrest in early 2024 while undergoing treatment at Summit Malibu, a high-end rehabilitation facility. The 26-year-old, once a well-known performer in the adult industry, is now in a reported vegetative state with symptoms resembling locked-in syndrome—unable to speak or move but conscious and able to communicate through eye movements.
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Cooper’s lawsuit, filed in late 2023, accuses Summit Malibu of negligence, alleging that staff ignored Willis’s deteriorating mental health, including PTSD and severe depression, until she suffered irreversible harm. According to the suit, Willis went into cardiac arrest in February 2024, requiring 40 minutes of CPR before her pulse returned. She has since been diagnosed with permanent disabilities.
However, Summit Malibu’s legal team has challenged the lawsuit, arguing that Cooper’s complaint lacks sufficient evidence. A Santa Monica judge has given Cooper 30 days to amend her filing, requiring her to provide specific proof that Willis was a dependent adult under the facility’s care and that Summit Malibu had a legal obligation to meet her needs.
If Cooper fails to submit the necessary documentation, the case may be dismissed, leaving the family without legal recourse. The court’s decision highlights the challenges of proving negligence in cases involving addiction and mental health treatment facilities.
