Current:Home > InvestStarbucks sued after California woman says 210-degree hot tea spilled on her in drive-thru -Quantum Capital Pro
Starbucks sued after California woman says 210-degree hot tea spilled on her in drive-thru
View
Date:2025-04-13 12:53:10
A California college student is suing Starbucks after she said "scalding hot" tea spilled on her in a drive-thru.
University of Southern California student Saba Lily Shabdiz said she was moving the tea to her cupholder in a Los Angeles drive-thru in February 2022 when the lid unexpectedly opened, spilling the tea on her and causing severe burns, permanent scarring, and emotional distress, according to the lawsuit filed Monday in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
The temperature for the Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Tea with hot water was about 210 degrees Fahrenheit, Shabdiz's attorneys said Thursday.
They say that Starbucks employees improperly placed the lid on the cup and didn't serve the hot tea in the appropriate cup. They accuse Starbucks of being aware of other burn complaints but failing to "undertake any efforts to determine or minimize the occurrence of lids popping off cups."
A Starbucks spokesperson told USA TODAY on Thursday that the company takes pride in ensuring beverages are safely delivered to guests. While the company will carefully review any claims they will not comment on ongoing litigation, they said.
Starbucks workers strike:I'm walking out because Red Cup Day is sheer stress for workers
What is the lawsuit seeking?
The lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages but attorney Sam Ryan Heidari said in a news release that Starbucks "needs to answer for their own conduct, like their training and supervision of employees, as well as the clearly inadequate and inappropriate choices made at a corporate level regarding serving temperatures and containers."
He said the employee who served Shabdiz was negligent and that Starbucks should be held accountable for it.
The complaint alleges that Starbucks acted with malice, citing the similar lawsuits across the country over the spilling of hot liquid.
McDonald's, Dunkin' also sued over poorly placed lids
Last month, a 70-year-old Atlanta woman reached a $3 million settlement with Dunkin' Donuts after coffee spilled on her while in a Georgia drive-thru. She got second- and third-degree burns to her thighs, groin and abdomen when the lid came off her drink as an employee handed it to her.
A McDonald's in San Francisco was sued in September after a woman says hot coffee spilled on her stomach, groin, and leg because of an improperly placed lid. The coffee caused severe burns, according to the lawsuit.
Such lawsuits became notorious in 1994 when a woman burned by hot coffee at McDonald's sued the chain and was awarded $2.9 million.
Dunkin' lawsuit:Atlanta woman receives $3 million over 'severe' coffee burns after settlement
Starbucks fought off 2015 lawsuit over spilled drink
Starbucks has previously been sued over hot coffee damages. In 2015, a North Carolina police officer said he suffered third-degree burns from a cup of coffee spilling in his lap.
The jury decided in a 10-2 verdict that the company did not owe the officer any money.
veryGood! (2831)
Related
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- Caitlin Clark's next game: How to watch Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun on Monday
- Glen Powell on navigating love and the next phase: I welcome it with open arms
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen says she is saddened and shaken after assault, thanks supporters
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Stanley Cup Final Game 1 Panthers vs. Oilers: How to watch, betting odds
- A man shot by police in New Caledonia has died. The French Pacific territory remains restive
- Getting death threats from aggrieved gamblers, MLB players starting to fear for their safety
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Iga Swiatek wins third consecutive French Open women's title after defeating Jasmine Paolini
Ranking
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Dornoch wins 156th Belmont Stakes, run for first time at Saratoga
- Max Verstappen wins 3rd straight Canadian Grand Prix for 60th Formula 1 victory
- Mega Millions winning numbers for June 7 drawing: Jackpot rises to $30 million
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Living and Dying in the Shadow of Chemical Plants
- RFK Jr. files new petition in Nevada amid legal battle over ballot access
- India defends 119 in low-scoring thriller to beat Pakistan by 6 runs at T20 World Cup, Bumrah 3-14
Recommendation
Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
Airline lawyers spared religious liberty training in case about flight attendant’s abortion views
New York police seeking a man who stabbed a city bus driver
Youth sports' highs and lows on full display in hockey: 'Race to the bottom'
Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
Star Wars Father’s Day Gifts for the Dadalorian in Your Life
Dornoch pulls off an upset to win the first Belmont Stakes run at Saratoga Race Course at 17-1
Taylor Swift mashes up 'Crazier' from 'Hannah Montana' with this 'Lover' song in Scotland