Starbucks Faces New Lawsuits Over Hot Beverage Spill Incidents
Two new lawsuits filed in California allege serious injuries due to spilled hot drinks, following a significant previous verdict against the company.
Starbucks is currently facing two new lawsuits related to incidents involving hot beverages spilling on customers, just weeks after a Los Angeles jury ordered the company to pay $50 million to an individual injured by a spilled tea.
Both lawsuits were filed in California and claim damages due to alleged negligence in serving hot liquids that resulted in injuries to consumers at drive-thru locations.
In the first case, Sabrina Michelle Hermes alleges that she sustained severe injuries when hot liquid spilled onto her lap while receiving her order at a Norwalk drive-thru near Los Angeles two years ago.
The lawsuit asserts that one of the cups was not securely held when it was handed to her, leading to the spillage, which affected her legs, hip, knee, and feet, causing significant harm.
Hermes’ legal team argues that Starbucks failed to exercise reasonable care in preparing, handling, and serving hot beverages to prevent such injuries.
The complaint seeks unspecified general and special damages, including reimbursement for past and future medical expenses and lost wages.
A Starbucks spokesperson responded to the allegations, stating that the company intends to contest the claims.
"We are aware of Ms. Hermes’ allegations and firmly believe they are unfounded.
We look forward to presenting our case in court," the spokesperson said.
In the second lawsuit, advocates for Ernesto Vladimir Sanchez Avendano are also seeking unspecified damages for negligence after Avendano was reportedly offered a beverage with a poorly secured lid at a North Hollywood drive-thru.
According to his lawsuit, the drink spilled onto his lap, causing severe burns, disfigurement, and debilitating nerve injuries to his genital and buttock areas.
A Starbucks representative noted that the company had not yet received this particular lawsuit but would carefully review the claims made by Avendano.
Last month, a jury awarded $50 million to delivery driver Michael García after he suffered burns from a large drink that spilled on him at a drive-thru.
This recent string of lawsuits recalls a notable case from 1994 involving McDonald’s, which established a precedent for personal injury claims against fast-food companies.
In that case, Stella Liebeck was awarded over $2.8 million after spilling hot coffee on herself, an amount that was later reduced upon appeal.
The case has frequently been cited in discussions about the need for reforms in American tort law.
Both lawsuits were filed in California and claim damages due to alleged negligence in serving hot liquids that resulted in injuries to consumers at drive-thru locations.
In the first case, Sabrina Michelle Hermes alleges that she sustained severe injuries when hot liquid spilled onto her lap while receiving her order at a Norwalk drive-thru near Los Angeles two years ago.
The lawsuit asserts that one of the cups was not securely held when it was handed to her, leading to the spillage, which affected her legs, hip, knee, and feet, causing significant harm.
Hermes’ legal team argues that Starbucks failed to exercise reasonable care in preparing, handling, and serving hot beverages to prevent such injuries.
The complaint seeks unspecified general and special damages, including reimbursement for past and future medical expenses and lost wages.
A Starbucks spokesperson responded to the allegations, stating that the company intends to contest the claims.
"We are aware of Ms. Hermes’ allegations and firmly believe they are unfounded.
We look forward to presenting our case in court," the spokesperson said.
In the second lawsuit, advocates for Ernesto Vladimir Sanchez Avendano are also seeking unspecified damages for negligence after Avendano was reportedly offered a beverage with a poorly secured lid at a North Hollywood drive-thru.
According to his lawsuit, the drink spilled onto his lap, causing severe burns, disfigurement, and debilitating nerve injuries to his genital and buttock areas.
A Starbucks representative noted that the company had not yet received this particular lawsuit but would carefully review the claims made by Avendano.
Last month, a jury awarded $50 million to delivery driver Michael García after he suffered burns from a large drink that spilled on him at a drive-thru.
This recent string of lawsuits recalls a notable case from 1994 involving McDonald’s, which established a precedent for personal injury claims against fast-food companies.
In that case, Stella Liebeck was awarded over $2.8 million after spilling hot coffee on herself, an amount that was later reduced upon appeal.
The case has frequently been cited in discussions about the need for reforms in American tort law.
