Starbucks Coffee & Tea Burn Injury Lawsuits

Every day, millions of people buy coffee and tea at Starbucks. The company is known for its quick service, convenient drive-thrus, and customizable drinks. But what happens when that cup of coffee or tea causes serious burns? Across the United States — including Florida, New York, and New Jersey — customers have reported severe injuries after being served dangerously hot drinks, after lids failed, or when drinks were spilled by baristas.

If you were burned by a Starbucks hot coffee or tea, you may have the right to bring a burn injury lawsuit. These claims can help recover money for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term scars.

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin has handled thousands of injury cases nationwide and can handle Starbucks burn claims for victims in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and other states. Call (800) 337-7755 for a free consultation.

Why Starbucks Burn Injuries Happen

Most Starbucks drinks are served at temperatures well above what the skin can tolerate. Hot liquid at just 155°F can cause second-degree burns within one second of contact. Starbucks drinks are often prepared even hotter.

Causes of Starbucks burns could include:

• Excessively hot beverages served above safe temperatures.
• Improperly secured lids that pop off when the cup is picked up.
• Overfilled cups that spill when handed to customers.
• Drive-thru spills, often when employees hand drinks across vehicles.
• Barista accidents, where hot liquids spill directly onto customers.
• Cup defects, where thin paper cups collapse under heat.

Types of Burn Injuries Reported

Starbucks burns can range from minor scalds to catastrophic injuries. Possible injuries may include:

• Second- and third-degree burns on the hands, lap, chest, or thighs.
• Burns to children, often when a drink is knocked over in the car or at a table.
• Facial burns, when hot coffee splashes upward from an unstable lid.
• Permanent scarring and discoloration, especially on visible areas like the arms or face.
• Emotional trauma, including anxiety about future coffee purchases or public embarrassment.

Some victims require skin grafts, months of wound care, and ongoing treatment for scarring.

Starbucks Burn Lawsuits in Florida

Florida is home to hundreds of Starbucks locations in cities like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Because many Floridians grab coffee through drive-thrus on the way to work, Starbucks burn cases here could involve spills in cars.

Florida law allows victims to bring lawsuits under premises liability and negligence theories, as well as product liability if the cups, lids, or packaging contributed to the accident.

Key points under Florida law:

• Burn victims usually have two years to file a lawsuit (Florida Statute § 95.11).
• Claims may include pain and suffering, lost income, and medical costs.
• Florida courts have recognized the dangers of serving drinks too hot.

Starbucks Burn Lawsuits in New York

In New York, Starbucks locations are everywhere — from Manhattan to Long Island to upstate cities. Burn lawsuits in NY could involve commuters, especially when drinks spill on trains, subways, or taxis.

Under New York law:

• Victims generally have three years to bring a personal injury lawsuit (CPLR § 214).
• New York juries may award compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, scarring, and emotional distress.
• Starbucks employees and corporate policies may be scrutinized if improper handling or training contributed to the accident.

Starbucks Burn Lawsuits in New Jersey

New Jersey customers could also filed lawsuits against Starbucks for burns. Cases often come from drive-thru spills on busy highways and suburban Starbucks stores.

Under New Jersey law:

• The statute of limitations for personal injury is two years (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2).
• Plaintiffs may claim medical expenses, lost earnings, and damages for permanent scarring or disfigurement.
• NJ law also recognizes claims for negligent training or supervision if Starbucks employees contributed to the injury.

What Compensation Can Starbucks Burn Victims Seek?

Victims of Starbucks burn injuries may recover damages for:

• Medical bills (emergency treatment, wound care, surgery, skin grafts).
• Lost wages if injuries kept you out of work.
• Loss of earning capacity for permanent disabilities.
• Pain and suffering, including long-term physical discomfort.
• Scarring and disfigurement damages, especially for burns to the face or visible areas.
• Emotional distress and mental anguish.

In wrongful death cases, families may pursue funeral expenses and survivor damages.

How Starbucks May Defend These Cases

Starbucks could argue:

• The customer was responsible for the spill.
• Burns were not as severe as claimed.
• Temperatures were within “industry standards.”
• Employees followed standard procedures.

An experienced lawyer can gather evidence such as surveillance video, employee training manuals, incident reports, and corporate policies to challenge these defenses.

What To Do If You’re Burned at Starbucks

1. Seek immediate medical care — burns worsen quickly.
2. Report the incident to the Starbucks manager and request an incident report.
3. Take photos of your injuries, the drink, and the cup/lid.
4. Get witness information if anyone saw what happened.
5. Preserve the evidence — keep the cup, lid, and receipt.
6. Call a lawyer before speaking with Starbucks’ insurance representatives.

Why Hire the Law Offices of Jason Turchin?

• We have handled thousands of injury cases nationwide, including Florida, New York, and New Jersey.
• We work on a contingency fee basis — no fees or costs unless we win.
• We understand the strategies big corporations like Starbucks use to defend themselves.
• We offer free consultations and can review your case right away.

FAQs About Starbucks Burn Lawsuits

How hot is Starbucks coffee?
Starbucks often serves drinks between 160–190°F, hot enough to cause second-degree burns in seconds.

Is Starbucks required to warn about hot drinks?
Yes. Starbucks cups include warnings, but lawsuits argue these warnings are inadequate if drinks are unreasonably hot or cups are defectively secured.

Can I sue if the lid came off?
Yes. Many lawsuits or claims may involve lids that were not properly secured, leading to dangerous spills.

What if I spilled the coffee on myself?
Even if you dropped the drink, Starbucks may still be liable if the temperature was dangerously high, the cup was overfilled, or the lid was defective.

What if my child was burned?
Parents may bring lawsuits on behalf of children who were injured, and damages can include long-term medical care and future scarring compensation.

How long do I have to file?

• Florida: generally 2 years
• New York: generally 3 years
• New Jersey: generally 2 years

Do I need a lawyer in the state where it happened?
Typically, yes. Starbucks requires lawsuits to be filed where the injury occurred. We handle cases in Florida, New York, and New Jersey, and can co-counsel in other states.

Speak With a Starbucks Burn Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one were burned by hot coffee or tea at Starbucks, you don’t have to face it alone. Our firm has handled Starbucks burn cases and can help in Florida, New York, and New Jersey, and nationwide.

Call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin today at (800) 337-7755 or start a free chat on our website for a free consultation.