Starbucks Customer Sues Company over Hot Coffee Burns

On January 6, 2016, Florida resident, Christopher Romano, filed suit against Starbucks Coffee Co. in Broward Circuit Court. Romano claims that he suffered second-degree burns to his groin when the barista working the drive-thru window at the Pompano Beach Starbucks failed to make sure he had a proper hold on his cup. Romano is seeking damages in excess of $15,000, alleging that the coffee he was served was excessively hot and, therefore, dangerous for human consumption.

Romano’s case is bringing back memories of similar coffee burn cases from the 1990s involving big name defendants like Burger King, Chick-Fil-A, Dunkin’ Donuts, Wendy’s and most famously, McDonald’s. The 1994 McDonald’s suit, Liebeck v. McDonald’s, resulted in a $2.86 million verdict for an elderly New Mexico woman after she was burned by coffee heated to about 190 degrees.

Starbucks has yet to make a comment on Romano’s allegations.

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