Marya Callais, a citizen of California, was walking along a busy street in Tallahassee, Florida, where she has a vacation home, when a large crate flew off a passing truck and hit her, causing numerous injuries. Many people rushed to her aid. She was released from a Florida Hospital after having reconstructive surgery on her legs and spinal surgery due to back injuries. She returned to California for recuperation. She experienced a great deal of pain and suffering, incurred significant medical expenses, and could not work for six months while she underwent extensive therapy in California. She wants to sue the trucking firm for $300,000 in damages in California as she is recovering in California and is a Citizen of California.

The defendant, Citrus Juices, Inc. is incorporated in Delaware and firm's headquarters are in Georgia, although the company does business in Florida, and California, where they are prominent growers and packers of Oranges.