Hot drinks like coffee and tea are a part of many people’s daily lives. However, if they are not served carefully, they can cause serious burns that can change lives.
If you were burned by a hot drink from Starbucks because an employee didn’t put the lid on properly, you could be eligible for compensation.
At Fob James Law Firm, our Starbucks burn lawyers in Birmingham and Atlanta Starbucks hot coffee injury attorneys help victims recover for their medical bills, pain, and lasting scars.
Starbucks Coffee Burn Injuries: A Growing Problem
When baristas rush to prepare drinks or fail to check the lid, scalding coffee can spill onto customers’ hands, laps, or legs. Common causes of Starbucks burn injuries include:
- Lids that aren’t properly secured
- Faulty or unstable drink carriers
- Drinks served at dangerously high temperatures
- Employees handing drinks through drive-thru windows carelessly
- Spills inside stores due to unsafe surfaces or crowded conditions
These mistakes can cause second- and third-degree burns, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma — especially when hot liquid spills onto sensitive areas of the body.
Real Starbucks Burn Cases: What Victims Can Learn
Starbucks has faced multiple lawsuits across the U.S. for coffee spill injuries. In 2025, a California jury awarded $50 million to a delivery driver who suffered third-degree burns when a Starbucks employee failed to secure a lid. The verdict highlighted how easily preventable these injuries are — and how juries hold corporations accountable when safety rules are ignored.
If a Starbucks employee in Alabama or Georgia handed you a hot drink that spilled and burned you, you may have a valid personal injury claim.
Common Starbucks Burn Injuries
- Second- or third-degree burns
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage and chronic pain
- Infections or complications requiring surgery
- Emotional distress and PTSD
Because Starbucks beverages are often served above 170°F, the resulting burns can be catastrophic — especially on the thighs, groin, or abdomen.
Legal Options for Starbucks Burn Victims
When a company or employee fails to serve a drink safely, they can be held legally responsible. Typical legal claims in Starbucks burn injury cases include:
- Negligence: Failing to properly secure lids or handle drinks safely
- Premises Liability: Unsafe conditions in the store cause injury
- Product Liability: A defective cup or lid design causes the spill
Our Birmingham, AL Starbucks burn lawyer and Atlanta, GA coffee injury attorney investigate every case thoroughly — reviewing surveillance video, employee statements, and physical evidence to prove negligence.
What to Do After a Starbucks Hot Coffee Spill
- Get immediate medical treatment — burns worsen quickly.
- Take photos of the cup, lid, drink tray, and your injuries.
- Save the evidence — do not throw away the cup or receipt.
- Report the incident to the store manager and get a copy of the report.
- Write down witness names and contact information.
- Call an attorney before speaking to Starbucks’ insurance representatives.
Quick action helps your Starbucks burn attorney build the strongest possible case.
Compensation Available for Starbucks Burn Victims
If your attorney proves that Starbucks was negligent, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future care
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
At Fob James Law Firm, we work hard to get you the most compensation possible for your case. Burn injuries affect more than just your skin; they can harm your confidence, job, and overall quality of life.
Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait to File Your Claim
Both Alabama and Georgia have strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims:
- Alabama: 2 years (Ala. Code § 6-2-38)
- Georgia: 2 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)
If you were burned by a Starbucks hot drink in Alabama or Georgia, contact a lawyer immediately before evidence disappears or deadlines expire.
Why Choose Fob James Law Firm
- Experience: We handle complex personal injury and burn cases in Alabama and Georgia.
- Proven Results: Our attorneys have recovered millions for injury victims.
- Personal Attention: You work directly with an attorney, not a case manager.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We charge no upfront fees and only get paid if you do.
When you need a Starbucks hot coffee injury lawyer in Birmingham or an Atlanta Starbucks hot coffee injury attorney, Fob James Law Firm is ready to fight for you.
✅ Starbucks Burn Injury FAQ Section
Can I sue Starbucks if I was burned by hot coffee?
Yes. If a Starbucks employee failed to properly secure the lid, served an overly hot drink, or handled your beverage negligently, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Our Starbucks burn lawyers in Birmingham and Atlanta hot coffee injury attorneys can investigate the incident and determine your legal options.
How much is a Starbucks coffee burn case worth?
The value of a Starbucks burn injury case depends on the severity of the burns, medical expenses, scarring, and emotional trauma. Severe second- or third-degree burns can result in settlements or verdicts ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the evidence and circumstances.
What should I do after being burned by a Starbucks drink?
Seek immediate medical treatment, take photos of the cup and your injuries, keep the lid and receipt, and report the incident to the store manager. Then, contact a Starbucks burn lawyer before talking to Starbucks’ insurance team.
How long do I have to file a Starbucks burn claim in Alabama or Georgia?
Both Alabama and Georgia generally give victims two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long may result in losing your right to recover compensation.
Why choose Fob James Law Firm for my Starbucks burn case?
Our firm has offices in Birmingham, AL, and Atlanta, GA, and we specialize in serious injury and burn cases. We offer aggressive representation, personal attention, and no fees unless we win. Our team has the experience and resources needed to take on large corporations like Starbucks.
Contact a Starbucks Burn Lawyer Near Me Today
If you or a loved one suffered a burn from a Starbucks hot coffee, tea, or other beverage, you deserve justice and fair compensation.
Call Fob James Law Firm today for a free consultation with a Starbucks burn injury attorney:
📍 Birmingham, Alabama Office: 205-407-6009
📍 Atlanta, Georgia Office: 866-837-1010
We help clients across Alabama and Georgia hold corporations accountable for preventable injuries.
Fob James, IV
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large national firm for several years, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society. Many of Fob’s cases are high profile and have been featured in, among others: Bloomberg News, PlanAdvisor, AL.com, PlanSponsor, InsuranceJournal, and BusinessInsider. For his work in obtaining numerous multi-million dollar outcomes for his clients, Fob has been recognized by: National Trial Lawyers Top 100, SuperLawyers Rising Star (2020-2025), Birmingham Business Journal Who’s Who in Law (2023-2025), and TrustAnalytica – Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Alabama.