Madison, New Jersey – A Dunkin’ store in Morris County is facing a lawsuit after a customer claims he suffered serious injuries when the lid of a cup of coffee came off, causing the hot liquid to spill on him. According to court papers, Phillip Sgroi purchased the coffee on February 11, 2022, at the Dunkin’ location on Main Street. The lawsuit alleges that the lid was not properly secured and that the coffee was served at a dangerously high temperature.
Sgroi filed the lawsuit on January 29 in the New Jersey Superior Court, stating that he suffered injuries that required hospitalization and incurred significant medical expenses. He also claims to have been subjected to liens due to bills related to the incident. A spokesperson for Dunkin’ declined to comment on the pending litigation.
This is not the first time Dunkin’ has faced legal action in New Jersey. In recent years, similar lawsuits over hot coffee spills have been filed against Dunkin’ stores in Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties. These incidents highlight concerns about the temperature and lid security of the coffee served by Dunkin’.
Hot beverage lawsuits are not limited to Dunkin’. McDonald’s has also been the target of such litigation in New Jersey and other locations for over three decades. In a landmark case, an injured customer’s attorney successfully argued that the chain heated its coffee up to 30 degrees hotter than industry standards.
The lawsuit against Dunkin’ serves as a reminder of the importance of proper lid security and safe serving temperatures for hot beverages. Customers expect their drinks to be served at a reasonable and safe temperature, and businesses have a responsibility to ensure that they meet these standards to prevent accidents and injuries.
Legal actions like these shed light on the need for establishments to prioritize customer safety and take necessary precautions to avoid incidents like hot beverage spills. As the lawsuit unfolds, it will determine whether the Dunkin’ store in Madison is liable for the injuries and expenses suffered by Phillip Sgroi.
In cases like this, it is crucial for businesses to address customer concerns and review their protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The outcome of this lawsuit may have broader implications for the food service industry and its obligation to prioritize customer safety and satisfaction.
Contact:
Anthony G. Attrino
tattrino@njadvancemedia.com
@TonyAttrino
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