In a precedent-setting decision, a Georgia woman has been granted a staggering $3 million in a lawsuit settlement following a life-altering incident involving a steaming cup of coffee served at a Dunkin’ drive-thru. The incident, which occurred in February 2021, left the victim with severe burns and forever changed the course of her life.
The 70-year-old woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, endured weeks of agonizing pain and had to relearn the most basic of activities, such as walking. Morgan & Morgan attorney Benjamin Welch, who represented the victim, shared the harrowing details of her ordeal. He stated, “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.”
The incident unfolded at a Dunkin’ drive-thru in Sugar Hill, Georgia, where the woman had ordered a simple cup of hot coffee. Tragically, a simple mishap led to catastrophic consequences when the lid of the coffee cup came off, resulting in scalding coffee spilling onto her lower body. The burns she sustained were nothing short of horrifying, reaching second- and third-degree levels, causing severe damage to her thighs, groin, and abdomen.
The financial toll of her injuries was equally overwhelming, as the victim found herself facing medical bills that soared above the $200,000 mark. Benjamin Welch, who tirelessly fought for her justice, emphasized that this traumatic event could have been avoided if the drive-thru employee had ensured the lid was securely fastened.
In an unexpected turn of events, Golden Donuts, LLC, the franchisee responsible for operating the Dunkin’ location, stepped up to the plate. On Tuesday, they agreed to a monumental $3 million settlement, recognizing the gravity of the injuries inflicted on the woman and the profound impact it had on her life. The legal battle may have come to an end, but the scars, both physical and emotional, will remain with the victim for life.
The founder of Morgan & Morgan, John Morgan, seized this opportunity to call upon all restaurants and franchisees to prioritize the safety of their customers. He noted, “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.”
As of now, both Golden Donuts, LLC, and Inspire Brands, the owner of Dunkin’ Brands, have remained tight-lipped, failing to provide any comment or statement regarding the settlement.
This extraordinary case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility businesses bear towards ensuring the safety and well-being of their customers. While accidents can happen, it is incumbent upon establishments like Dunkin’ to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
The $3 million settlement serves as a beacon of hope for those who have suffered unjustly due to corporate negligence. It sends a clear message to businesses across the nation: negligence in customer safety comes at a heavy price. As this landmark case draws to a close, it marks a significant step towards a safer and more responsible corporate world.
