Starbucks is facing two new lawsuits over spilled hot drinks, just weeks after a court ordered the coffee giant to pay $79 million to a man who was injured by a cup of tea. The lawsuits, filed in California, seek damages over scalding liquids spilled on customers at drive-throughs.
One of the cases involved Sabrina Michelle Hermes, who suffered severe injuries when hot liquid spilled into her lap at a Starbucks branch in Norwalk. The lawsuit claimed that the improperly secured cup caused the drink to splash onto her legs, hip, knee, and feet, resulting in significant harm.
Similarly, Ernesto Vladimir Sanchez Avendano filed a lawsuit in Alhambra Superior Court, alleging negligence after a drink spilled on his lap at a North Hollywood drive-through due to a lid not being securely fastened. This incident left him with severe burns and nerve damage.
Starbucks, in response to the lawsuits, stated that it would contest the claims, emphasizing its commitment to safety standards in its stores, particularly in the handling of hot beverages to prevent customer injuries.
These legal challenges come in the wake of a recent ruling where Starbucks was ordered to pay $79 million to a delivery driver, Michael Garcia, who suffered burns when a drink spilled in his lap at a drive-through. The lawsuit cited negligence on the part of the Starbucks server for not properly securing the drink in the cupholder.
The case of Stella Liebeck, who was awarded millions after spilling hot coffee on herself at a McDonald’s in 1994, set a precedent for such lawsuits against fast-food companies. While the awarded amount was reduced on appeal, it highlighted the need for reforms in tort law.
Starbucks indicated its intention to appeal the recent rulings, stating that the awarded amounts were deemed excessive. The company reiterated its commitment to upholding safety standards and expressed confidence in presenting its case in court against the new lawsuits.
These incidents underscore the importance of proper beverage handling in the food service industry and the legal ramifications that can arise from negligence. As consumers become more vigilant about product safety, companies like Starbucks face heightened scrutiny and potential financial liabilities from such incidents.
With the evolving landscape of consumer rights and corporate responsibility, the outcome of these lawsuits could have broader implications for the food and beverage sector, prompting industry players to reassess their protocols to prevent similar mishaps and legal repercussions in the future.
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