Starbucks is a familiar stop for both locals and millions of tourists visiting Orlando each year. With dozens of locations across International Drive, Disney, Universal, Downtown Orlando, Winter Park, and the airport, Starbucks is deeply woven into Central Florida’s routine. But when a cup of hot coffee or tea leaves you with a serious burn injury, a quick stop for caffeine can become a medical emergency.
Starbucks has a duty to serve drinks safely. When drinks are served at dangerously high temperatures, when lids pop off, or when cups collapse, customers may suffer painful burns that require hospitalization, skin grafts, and long-term care.
At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we can represent burn victims throughout Orlando. If you or your child were injured by Starbucks coffee or tea, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. Call us today at (800) 337-7755 for a free consultation.
Why Burn Cases Happen at Starbucks in Orlando
Orlando Starbucks locations face unique challenges. With high tourist traffic, constant drive-thru lines, and mobile orders stacking up, mistakes are common.
Causes of Starbucks burn injuries in Orlando may include:
- Overfilled cups – Drinks filled too high can spill with the slightest movement.
- Loose or unstable lids – In the rush of theme park crowds, baristas may not secure lids properly.
- Excessively hot drinks – Coffee and tea often exceed 160°F, enough to cause burns within seconds.
- Drive-thru accidents – Passing drinks through crowded car windows often leads to spills.
- Barista handling errors – A rushed employee may spill a drink directly onto a customer.
- Weak or defective cups – Orlando’s heat and humidity may weaken thin paper cups, leading to collapse.
Injuries Seen in Burn Cases
Burn injuries from hot beverages are often underestimated. In reality, Starbucks burns can be life-altering.
Common injuries someone could sustain from a coffee or tea burn could include:
- Second- and third-degree burns on the thighs, chest, lap, and hands.
- Burns to children, who are especially vulnerable when drinks spill in cars or strollers.
- Facial burns caused by splashes from unstable lids.
- Nerve damage from severe burns.
- Permanent scars and disfigurement, often requiring plastic surgery.
- Emotional trauma, particularly when visible scarring affects self-confidence.
Why Starbucks Burn Cases Are Especially Serious in Orlando
- Tourism impact – Visitors burned in Orlando may face difficulties seeking medical care away from home. They may need representation to pursue claims once they return to another state or country.
- High traffic – Starbucks locations near Disney World, Universal Orlando, and I-Drive serve thousands of customers daily. Mistakes are more likely in high-volume environments.
- Commuter culture – Orlando residents often rely on drive-thru locations in Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, and Lake Nona, where spills could happen during rushed handoffs.
Florida Law and Starbucks Burn Claims
Under Florida law, Starbucks must ensure its drinks are reasonably safe. When they fail to do so, they may be liable for negligence.
Florida Negligence in Starbucks Burn Cases
- Duty – Starbucks must serve drinks in a safe manner and warn of dangers.
- Breach – Serving excessively hot drinks, using faulty lids, or mishandling drinks breaches that duty.
- Causation – The unsafe conduct caused the customer’s burn.
- Damages – The victim suffered medical costs, lost income, pain, or scarring.
Florida Product Liability Law
If defective cups or lids contributed to the accident, claims may also fall under product liability. Florida law allows victims to sue for injuries caused by unsafe or defectively designed products.
Statute of Limitations in Florida
As of 2023, most Florida personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury (Fla. Stat. § 95.11). Parents may file claims on behalf of children.
Compensation for Orlando Starbucks Burn Victims
Victims of Starbucks burn injuries in Orlando may be entitled to recover:
- Medical bills – Emergency treatment, wound care, surgeries, plastic surgery.
- Future care – Scar revision, therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income – If you had to miss work during recovery.
- Reduced earning capacity – If permanent scarring or disability limits employment.
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain and psychological distress.
- Scarring and disfigurement damages – Especially important for burns on visible areas.
- Wrongful death damages – If the worst occurs, families may bring claims.
What To Do After a Starbucks Burn in Orlando
If you were burned by Starbucks coffee or tea:
- Seek medical care immediately – Even small burns may worsen.
- Report the incident – Ask for an incident report from the Starbucks manager.
- Take photos – Document injuries, the drink, the lid, and the store location.
- Save the evidence – Keep the cup, lid, and your receipt.
- Get witness contact information if others saw the spill.
- Call a Florida Starbucks burn lawyer to protect your rights.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason Turchin
- We’ve handled more than 6,500 personal injury claims, including serious burn cases. Jason Turchin is a top-rated product liability lawyer, AV rated by Martindale Hubbell and has a 10.0 AVVO Superb rating.
- We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay no fees or costs unless we recover money for you.
- We understand how large corporations like Starbucks defend these claims.
- We represent both Florida residents and tourists injured while visiting Orlando.
FAQs – Orlando Starbucks Burn Lawsuits
How hot does Starbucks serve coffee in Orlando?
Often between 160°F and 190°F, well above the threshold that causes second-degree burns.
Can I sue if I dropped the drink myself?
Yes, if Starbucks contributed by serving an unreasonably hot beverage, overfilling the cup, or using a defective lid.
What if my child was burned?
Parents can file lawsuits on behalf of children. Damages may include medical bills, scar revision, and future psychological treatment.
Do tourists have rights?
Yes. Even if you live outside Florida, you can bring a claim here if the injury happened at a Starbucks in Orlando.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In Florida, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years.
Do I need a lawyer in Orlando?
Yes. Having a Florida lawyer can help ensure your case is filed in the correct court and under the right state laws.
Speak With an Orlando Starbucks Burn Injury Lawyer
If you were burned by hot coffee or tea at Starbucks in Orlando, legal help may be available. Our firm represents both Florida residents and out-of-state visitors hurt while in Central Florida.
Call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at (800) 337-7755 or use our live chat to schedule your free consultation. You won’t pay fees or costs unless we win or settle your case.