Starbucks has become part of everyday life in Boca Raton. With stores along Glades Road, Federal Highway, Yamato Road, and near Town Center Mall, residents, students, and visitors grab Starbucks coffee and tea throughout the day. But when a Starbucks drink is served too hot, overfilled, or in a cup with a loose lid, it can cause serious burn injuries that leave lasting scars and financial burdens.
Hot beverage burns are dangerous. Liquids at 160°F to 190°F — Starbucks’ typical range — can cause second-degree burns in under two seconds. Victims in Boca Raton may face emergency treatment at Boca Raton Regional Hospital or West Boca Medical Center, long recoveries, and permanent disfigurement.
At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we represent burn victims across Palm Beach County. If you or your child were burned by Starbucks coffee or tea in Boca Raton, you may be entitled to compensation. Call (800) 337-7755 for a free consultation.
How Starbucks Burn Injuries Happen in Boca Raton
Boca’s Starbucks locations are often busy with students from FAU, shoppers, and commuters. With high volumes of orders and rushed service, mistakes are common.
Common causes of Starbucks burns in Boca Raton include:
- Overheated drinks – Served hotter than safe handling standards.
- Loose lids – A lid not properly attached can come off while drinking.
- Overfilled cups – Cups filled to the brim spill with little movement.
- Drive-thru spills – Starbucks drive-thrus on Glades Road or Yamato Road often have long lines, increasing the chance of rushed handoffs.
- Employee errors – A barista spilling hot drinks directly on a customer.
- Weak packaging – Paper cups collapsing under heat or pressure.
Burn Injuries in Starbucks Cases
Starbucks burns can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Second- and third-degree burns on the lap, chest, arms, or face.
- Burns to children, who are especially vulnerable in cars or strollers.
- Facial scarring requiring reconstructive surgery.
- Nerve damage from deep burns.
- Permanent disfigurement.
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety tied to visible scars.
Why Starbucks Burn Cases Are Common in Boca Raton
- College traffic – Starbucks near Florida Atlantic University (FAU) serve high volumes of students, often in a rush between classes.
- Retail Starbucks – Locations near Town Center Mall and shopping plazas are crowded with customers, creating rushed conditions.
- Commuter culture – Boca residents commuting to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Palm Beach often rely on Starbucks drive-thrus, where spills during handoffs are frequent.
Florida Law and Boca Raton Starbucks Burn Injury Claims
Starbucks has a legal duty to serve drinks safely. When they breach this duty, they may be liable under negligence or product liability.
Negligence
A Starbucks negligence lawsuit in Boca typically requires proving:
- Duty of care – Starbucks owed a duty to serve drinks safely.
- Breach – They breached that duty by serving excessively hot drinks, failing to secure lids, or overfilling cups.
- Causation – The unsafe condition caused the burn injury.
- Damages – Medical costs, lost wages, pain, or permanent scarring.
Product Liability
If the cup or lid was defective, Starbucks may also face liability under product liability law.
Statute of Limitations
Florida law generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit (Fla. Stat. § 95.11).
Compensation Available
Victims of Starbucks burns in Boca Raton may be entitled to recover:
- Medical bills – Emergency care, wound treatment, hospital stays, surgery.
- Future treatment – Scar revision, reconstructive surgery.
- Lost wages – For time missed from work.
- Reduced earning potential – If permanent injuries affect career options.
- Pain and suffering – For physical pain and emotional distress.
- Scarring and disfigurement damages.
- Wrongful death damages – For families in fatal cases.
Examples of Situations That Could Lead to a Starbucks Burn Lawsuit in Boca Raton
Here are hypothetical examples of Starbucks burn accidents in Boca:
- At a Glades Road drive-thru, a barista hands out an overfilled coffee. The lid pops off, spilling onto the driver’s lap.
- A student near FAU receives a tea served at an unsafe temperature. A small spill causes burns to their hand.
- At a Town Center Mall Starbucks, a paper cup collapses, spilling scalding liquid onto a customer’s leg.
What To Do If You Are Burned at Starbucks in Boca Raton
If you or your child are burned by Starbucks in Boca:
- Seek immediate medical care – Burns worsen without treatment.
- Report the incident – Tell the manager and request a report.
- Take photos – Document your injuries, the cup, the lid, and the store.
- Save evidence – Keep the cup, lid, and receipt.
- Collect witness info – If others saw the accident.
- Call a Boca Raton Starbucks burn lawyer before speaking with Starbucks’ insurance company.
Why Work With the Law Offices of Jason Turchin
- We’ve handled more than 6,500 personal injury cases nationwide, including Starbucks burn injury claims.
- We can represent clients across Palm Beach County, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach.
- We work on a contingency fee basis – no fees or costs unless we recover money for you.
- We can understand Starbucks’ defenses and how to challenge them.
FAQs – Boca Raton Starbucks Burn Injury Lawsuits
How hot is Starbucks coffee?
Typically between 160°F and 190°F, hot enough to cause severe burns.
Can I sue if I spilled the drink myself?
Yes. If Starbucks contributed — for example, by serving it too hot, overfilled, or in defective packaging — they may still be liable.
What if my child was burned?
Parents may file lawsuits on behalf of children. Compensation can cover medical bills, scar treatment, and emotional damages.
How long do I have to file in Florida?
Generally two years from the date of injury.
Do I need a Boca lawyer?
Yes. Starbucks burn lawsuits are usually filed in the jurisdiction where the injury happened.
Speak With a Boca Raton Starbucks Burn Injury Lawyer
If you were burned by Starbucks coffee or tea in Boca Raton, legal help may be available. Our office represents victims across Palm Beach County and throughout Florida.
Call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin today at (800) 337-7755 or start a free chat for a free consultation. We don’t charge fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you.