Starbucks Hot Tea Burn Injury Lawsuits

Starbucks sells millions of cups of hot tea every day across the United States. From chai lattes and green tea to herbal blends and black teas, customers expect a safe, comforting drink. But many Starbucks teas are served at extremely high temperatures, often hotter than coffee, and can cause severe burns when spilled.

Victims across Florida, New York, New Jersey, and nationwide have reported serious injuries after being served tea that was too hot, overfilled, or in cups with unstable lids. These burns can lead to hospitalizations, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma.

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we can represent victims burned by Starbucks hot tea. If you or your child were injured, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit for compensation. Call (800) 337-7755 for a free consultation.

Why Starbucks Tea Burn Injuries Happen

Tea is usually steeped at boiling or near-boiling water temperatures — sometimes higher than coffee. Starbucks may serve tea in overfilled cups, with paper cups that may weaken under heat, or with lids that aren’t secure.

Common causes of Starbucks tea burns may include:

• Excessively hot tea – Tea water is often 180°F–200°F, hotter than coffee and far above safe handling levels.
• Overfilled cups – Tea poured to the brim is unstable and prone to spills.
• Loose or defective lids – A lid that isn’t snapped tightly can pop off mid-sip.
• Drive-thru handoffs – Passing hot tea through car windows increases spill risks.
• Employee accidents – Baristas sometimes spill tea directly onto customers.
• Weak packaging – Thin paper cups collapsing under intense heat.

Types of Injuries From Starbucks Tea Burns

Victims of Starbucks tea burns could suffer from:

• Second- and third-degree burns to hands, thighs, chest, and face.
• Child burns, often when tea is spilled in cars or strollers.
• Facial burns and scarring, requiring reconstructive surgery.
• Nerve damage from deep burns.
• Permanent disfigurement.
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety about carrying hot drinks.

Florida, New York, and New Jersey Starbucks Tea Burn Lawsuits

Florida

In Florida, Starbucks tea burns could occur in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale, where busy drive-thrus and crowded stores increase accident risks. Florida law allows victims to sue for negligence and product liability, with a two-year statute of limitations (Fla. Stat. § 95.11).

New York

Starbucks tea burn accidents in New York could involve commuters carrying unstable drinks on crowded subways and sidewalks. New York law generally allows three years to file a personal injury lawsuit (CPLR § 214).

New Jersey

In New Jersey, suburban drive-thrus along highways could be frequent locations of spills. NJ law allows victims two years from the date of injury to bring claims (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2).

Compensation Available in Starbucks Tea Burn Cases

Victims of Starbucks tea burns may be entitled to damages for:

• Medical bills – ER visits, wound treatment, hospital stays, surgeries.
• Future care – Scar revision or reconstructive surgery.
• Lost income – Wages missed during recovery.
• Loss of earning potential – If permanent scars or disabilities affect careers.
• Pain and suffering – Both physical and emotional trauma.
• Scarring and disfigurement damages – Especially important for facial or visible burns.
• Wrongful death damages – For families in tragic cases.

Examples of Situations That Could Lead to a Starbucks Tea Burn Lawsuit

Here are hypothetical scenarios that show how Starbucks tea burns may occur:

• At a drive-thru in Miami, a customer receives an overfilled green tea. The lid pops off during handoff, spilling onto their lap and causing thigh burns.
• A New York commuter buys hot tea at a Midtown Starbucks. The cup is filled to the brim, and on the crowded subway, the lid loosens and splashes scalding liquid onto their hand.
• A parent in Newark buys hot chocolate tea blend for their child. The drink is served at unsafe temperatures, and a spill leaves the child with second-degree arm burns.

What To Do If Burned by Starbucks Tea

If you or your child are burned by Starbucks hot tea:

1. Get medical treatment immediately – Burns should be evaluated quickly.
2. Report the incident – Notify the Starbucks manager and ask for an incident report.
3. Take photos – Document your injuries, the cup, the lid, and the location.
4. Save evidence – Keep the cup, lid, and receipt if possible.
5. Get witness details – If others saw the spill.
6. Contact a Starbucks burn injury lawyer before dealing with Starbucks’ insurance company.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason Turchin

• We’ve handled more than 6,500 injury claims nationwide, including Starbucks coffee burn claims.
• We can represent clients in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and nationwide.
• We work on a contingency fee basis — no fees or costs unless we recover for you.
• We understand Starbucks’ defenses and how to challenge them.

FAQs – Starbucks Tea Burn Injury Lawsuits

Is tea served hotter than coffee?
Yes. Tea water is often near boiling, sometimes hotter than coffee, and can cause faster and deeper burns.

Can I sue if I spilled the tea myself?
Yes. If Starbucks contributed — by serving it too hot, overfilled, or in defective packaging — they may still be liable.

What if my child was burned by Starbucks tea?
Parents may bring lawsuits on behalf of children. Compensation may include medical care, scar revision, and emotional damages.

How long do I have to file?

• Florida: generally two years.
• New York: generally three years.
• New Jersey: generally two years.

Do tourists have rights if burned?
Yes. Visitors burned in Florida, NY, or NJ may file claims in the state where the accident happened.

Speak With a Starbucks Tea Burn Injury Lawyer

If you were burned by Starbucks hot tea, legal help may be available. Our firm can represent Starbucks burn victims across Florida, New York, New Jersey, and nationwide.

Call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at (800) 337-7755 or start a free chat for a consultation. We don’t charge fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you.