Filing a Hot Coffee Burn Injury Lawsuit in Florida

Hot coffee injuries are more common than many people realize. Whether it’s a scalding drink handed to you at a drive-thru, a cup that spills due to a loose lid, or a tray that tips over at a restaurant, serious burns can happen in seconds. If you or a loved one suffered burns from hot coffee in Florida due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through a Florida Burn Injury Lawsuit.

The Florida injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason Turchin has handled burn injury cases throughout Florida, including claims against major fast food chains, convenience stores, airlines, and coffee shops. Call 800-337-7755 or visit www.victimaid.com for a free consultation.

When Can You Sue for a Hot Coffee Burn in Florida?

To bring a successful personal injury claim, you must generally prove that your burn was caused by someone else’s negligence. Businesses that serve hot beverages have a duty to ensure the product is reasonably safe. This includes:

• Serving coffee at a safe temperature
• Using properly secured lids and insulated containers
• Training employees to handle beverages safely
• Preventing spills and safely delivering drinks to customers

If a company or employee fails to meet these standards and someone is injured, they may be held financially responsible for the damages.

Common Hot Coffee Injury Scenarios

We have seen many situations where hot beverages caused serious burns. Examples include:

• A drive-thru employee hands a customer a coffee with a loose lid that spills in their lap
• A server drops a tray of coffee at a restaurant, splashing the customer
• A coffee cup is placed on a shaky tray or surface that tips and spills
• A beverage is served at a temperature well above industry safety standards
• A child is handed hot chocolate without proper warning or a secure lid

These cases can happen at coffee shops like Starbucks, Dunkin’, McDonald’s, fast food restaurants, airlines, hotels, and convenience stores.

How Hot Is Too Hot?

While coffee is expected to be served hot, it should not be dangerously hot. Industry standards generally recommend that coffee be served between 130 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures above 180 degrees, liquid can cause third-degree burns in just a few seconds.

In the well-known McDonald’s coffee case from the 1990s, the company was allegedly found liable for serving coffee at 180 to 190 degrees, despite hundreds of prior burn complaints. Florida courts have recognized that food and beverage vendors must balance serving temperatures with consumer safety. Another verdict in a burn injury case against Starbucks highlights the risks associated with serving extremely hot coffee.

What to Do After a Hot Coffee Burn Injury

If you suffer a burn from hot coffee, take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:

• Seek immediate medical attention for the burn
• Take photos of the injury and the coffee cup or spill site
• Save receipts, cup lids, or containers if possible
• Get names of any employees or witnesses involved
• File an incident report with the business
• Contact a burn injury attorney in Florida as soon as possible

Types of Burn Injuries From Hot Coffee

Hot liquids can cause a range of burn injuries, depending on the temperature and length of contact:

• First-degree burns – Redness and pain, affecting the outer skin layer
• Second-degree burns – Blisters and deeper skin damage, may require dressing or medication
• Third-degree burns – Full-thickness burns affecting all skin layers, may require surgery or skin grafting

Burns to sensitive areas like the lap, groin, thighs, face, or chest can result in long-term pain, scarring, and emotional trauma.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Depending on the facts of your case, one or more parties may be responsible:

• The restaurant, café, or business that served the coffee
• The employee who failed to properly secure the cup or lid
• The company that designed or manufactured a defective cup or lid

Damages Available in a Hot Coffee Burn Lawsuit

If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including ER visits, follow-ups, and surgery
• Lost wages and lost earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury

Statute of Limitations for Burn Injury Claims in Florida

In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to pursue a claim. If your injury happened on business property or involved a product defect, it’s important to consult an attorney quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if I spilled the coffee on myself?

It depends on the circumstances. If the business served coffee at an unsafe temperature or handed you the cup in a dangerous way, you may still have a case. Liability often turns on whether the business created or failed to prevent the hazard.

What if my child was burned by hot chocolate or coffee?

Children are especially vulnerable to scalding burns. If a business served a hot beverage to a child without warning or supervision, they may be liable. A parent or guardian can file a claim on the child’s behalf.

Do I need to keep the cup or lid?

If possible, yes. The lid and cup may serve as important evidence, especially if they were poorly designed or failed to function properly. However, even without the cup, photos and medical records can support your claim.

How long does it take to settle a burn injury case?

Every case is different. Some settle within a few months, while others may take longer if litigation is involved. Factors include the severity of the injury, the amount of medical treatment needed, and whether the business accepts responsibility.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

Our firm handles hot beverage burn cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact a Florida Burn Injury Lawyer Today

If you were burned by a hot coffee or tea accident in Florida, let us help you understand your legal options. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin represents burn victims statewide and nationwide in product liability and negligence cases.

Call 800-337-7755 or visit www.victimaid.com for a free consultation. We’re here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.