In an incident that took place in Sugar Hill, Atlanta, an elderly woman has been awarded a $3 million settlement after suffering severe burns from a coffee spill at a local Dunkin’ franchise. The incident occurred on February 18, 2021, in the drive-thru of the Dunkin’ located on Nelson Brogdon Boulevard.
According to a press release, the woman filed a lawsuit against the Dunkin’ franchise, claiming negligence and seeking compensation for her injuries. The severity of her burns resulted in significant medical expenses and emotional distress.
This case highlights the importance of ensuring customer safety and proper handling of hot beverages in food establishments. It serves as a reminder for businesses to implement strict protocols to prevent such accidents from occurring.
So what exactly happened? The woman ordered a coffee in the drive-thru and after the employee handed it to her, the lid of the coffee cup came off, causing second and third-degree burns to her thighs, groin, and abdomen. These injuries necessitated extensive skin grafts. The victim incurred over $200,000 in medical bills and still continues to struggle with day-to-day activities.
The $3 million settlement not only provided financial relief for the victim but also emphasized the responsibility that businesses have toward their customers’ well-being. It is crucial for companies to prioritize safety measures and training programs to avoid similar incidents in the future.
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Speaking on the situation, her attorney, Morgan & Morgan attorney Benjamin Welch said, “America may run on Dunkin, but our client had to re-learn how to walk due to the severity of her burns. Her burns were so severe that she spent weeks in the burn unit at Grady Health and has had to entirely alter the way she lives her life. Walking still causes her pain, she can’t go out in the sun, and she must apply creams and ointments to her burns several times a day.”
John Morgan, the founder of Morgan & Morgan, also said, “One of the most famous lawsuits in American history centers around scalding coffee that caused severe burns. Yet restaurants still have failed to learn their lesson to prioritize customers’ safety. We hope this settlement sends a message to all restaurants and franchisees: this isn’t complicated; train your employees properly and prioritize customer safety.”