Injured by Hot Coffee at a Drive-Thru?
A drive‑thru coffee stop should be quick and safe — not life‑altering. When hot coffee or tea spills due to improper cup placement, loose lids, overfilled containers, or careless handoff, the resulting burns can be severe. If you were injured in a drive‑thru coffee spill accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
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HOW THE ACCIDENT HAPPENS
Common Causes of Drive-Thru Coffee Spill Accidents:
- Loose or defective cup lids
- Overfilled hot beverage cups
- Unsafe drink carriers or trays
- Improper handoff at the drive-thru window
- Coffee or tea served at dangerously high temperatures
The Dangerous Reality of Drive-Thru Coffee
Many fast-food chains serve coffee at temperatures between 180°F and 190°F. According to the American Burn Association, liquid at this temperature causes deep tissue burns almost instantaneously.
140°F: Causes a serious burn in 5 seconds.
180°F: Causes a third-degree burn in less than 1 second.
When a corporation prioritizes “holding temperature” over human safety, they are liable for the resulting agony, scarring, and medical bills.
Dunkin' Donuts pays $3 million in drive-thru coffee burn incident
- $3 Million
- In 2021, 70-year-old Alpana Joshi purchased coffee at a Dunkin’ drive-thru in Georgia. As the employee handed her the cup, the lid detached, spilling the coffee onto her thighs, groin, and abdomen.
- * Relearning to Walk : The burns were so severe that Joshi spent weeks in a burn unit and literally had to relearn how to walk. Her medical bills alone were over $200,000
- The franchisee agreed to a $3 million settlement in 2023 to avoid a potentially larger jury verdict, acknowledging the life-altering nature of the injury for a retired woman of her age.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Can I really file a claim for a hot coffee spill at a drive-thru?
Yes. If your injury was caused by excessively hot coffee, a loose or defective lid, an unsafe hand-off, or lack of proper warnings, you may have a valid claim. Many hot coffee injuries are preventable and may involve negligence.
What kind of injuries qualify for compensation?
Compensation may be available for second- or third-degree burns, scarring, nerve damage, infections, or injuries requiring medical treatment. Even burns that seem minor at first can worsen over time and should be documented.
What if the business says it was “just an accident”?
Businesses often deny responsibility, but that doesn’t end the matter. If the coffee was served too hot or handled unsafely, the injury may still be legally actionable. A proper case review can determine whether negligence played a role.
How much compensation could I receive?
Every case is different. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term treatment costs. Some hot coffee burn cases have resulted in six-figure or higher settlements, depending on severity and liability.
How can HotCoffeeSpill.com help me?
HotCoffeeSpill.com offers a free, confidential case review and connects you with experienced injury attorneys. There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.
Burned by Hot Coffee or Tea?
You may be entitled to compensation. Speak with an experienced injury attorney today — your consultation is free.