Starbucks Faces New Lawsuits Over Spilled Hot Drinks

Two Lawsuits Filed in California Over Injuries Caused by Scalding Liquids

Starbucks is facing two new lawsuits over spilled hot drinks in California, just weeks after a court ordered the coffee giant to pay US$50 million to a man who was injured by a cup of tea.

First Lawsuit Filed Over Incident at Norwalk Branch

One case filed last week claims Sabrina Michelle Hermes was seriously hurt when hot liquid tipped into her lap at a branch in Norwalk, near Los Angeles, two years ago.

The suit said one of the cups in her order was not properly secured when it was handed to her, and the drink sloshed onto her legs, a hip, a knee, and her feet, causing severe injuries.

The negligence suit seeks unspecified general and special damages, including reimbursement for past and future medical costs and lost earnings.

Starbucks Responds to the Lawsuit

A spokesperson for Starbucks said the company would be contesting the claim.

“We have always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot drinks,” the spokesperson said.

“We are aware of Ms Hermes’ claims and firmly believe they are without merit. We look forward to presenting our case in court.”

Second Lawsuit Filed Over Incident at North Hollywood Drive-Through

Lawyers for Ernesto Vladimir Sanchez Avendano were also seeking unspecified damages for negligence in nearby Alhambra Superior Court.

Their suit, filed on Wednesday, said Avendano was handed a drink at a North Hollywood drive-through, with a lid that was not properly fastened.

The drink spilled onto his lap, leaving him with “severe burns, disfigurement, and debilitating nerve damage to his genitals and buttocks”, the suit said.

Starbucks’ Response to the Second Lawsuit

The Starbucks spokesperson said the company had not yet been served with the suit “but will carefully review Mr Avendano’s claims.”

Recent Ruling Against Starbucks

Last month, a jury in Los Angeles ordered the firm to pay US$50 million to delivery driver Michael Garcia, who suffered burns when a super-sized drink spilled in his lap at a drive-through.

Starbucks said at the time of the ruling that it would appeal the award, which it said was “excessive.”

Landmark Ruling Against McDonald’s

A landmark legal ruling against McDonald’s in New Mexico in 1994 established something of a precedent for Americans suing fast food companies when 79-year-old Stella Liebeck was awarded over US$2.8 million after spilling hot coffee on herself.

Although the award was reduced on appeal, the case was often cited as an example of the need to reform US tort law.

Conclusion

These recent lawsuits highlight the ongoing concerns over the safety of hot drinks at Starbucks. The company’s response to the claims suggests that it will contest the lawsuits, but the outcome remains to be seen.

FAQs

Q: What is the nature of the two new lawsuits filed against Starbucks?

A: The two lawsuits claim that Starbucks is responsible for the injuries caused by scalding liquids spilled at drive-throughs in California.

Q: What is the amount of damages being sought in the lawsuits?

A: The lawsuits seek unspecified general and special damages, including reimbursement for past and future medical costs and lost earnings.

Q: Has Starbucks responded to the lawsuits?

A: Yes, a spokesperson for Starbucks said the company will contest the claims and has not yet been served with the second lawsuit.

Q: What was the outcome of a recent ruling against Starbucks?

A: A jury in Los Angeles ordered Starbucks to pay US$50 million to a delivery driver who suffered burns when a super-sized drink spilled in his lap at a drive-through.

Q: What is the significance of a landmark ruling against McDonald’s in 1994?

A: The ruling established a precedent for Americans suing fast food companies when a customer was awarded over US$2.8 million after spilling hot coffee on herself.