In a dramatic turn of events, a resident of Palm Beach County has taken legal action against a well-known coffee giant, alleging negligence that led to severe injuries. Isabella Rico filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on December 4, 2024, accusing Starbucks Corporation of serving dangerously hot coffee that resulted in significant burns.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on November 30, 2022, when Rico visited a Starbucks drive-through located at 20518 S. State Road 7 in Boca Raton, Florida. According to the complaint, as Rico received her coffee, the lid was either improperly attached or defective. The employee handling the cup allegedly failed to pass it safely to Rico, resulting in the hot beverage spilling and causing severe burns. "The incident occurred due to the employee negligently securing the lid," states the complaint, highlighting a lapse in reasonable care by Starbucks employees.
Rico's lawsuit argues that Starbucks knew or should have known about the potential hazard posed by serving excessively hot coffee with improperly secured lids. Despite this knowledge, the company is accused of failing to implement adequate safety measures such as proper employee training on lid placement and maintaining safe coffee temperatures. The complaint emphasizes that Starbucks had non-delegable duties as an owner and operator to ensure customer safety on its premises.
Isabella Rico seeks damages for bodily injury and related suffering including disability or physical impairment, disfigurement, inconvenience, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. These losses are described as permanent or continuing into the future. The plaintiff demands judgment against Starbucks Corporation for damages along with pre-judgment and post-judgment interest and costs. Additionally, she requests a jury trial for all triable issues.
Representing Isabella Rico is attorney Daniel E. Smith II from Hogan Smith law firm based in Orlando. The case ID is: 502024CA011449XXXAMB Div: AJ.