Florida Starbucks Burn Injury Checklist – What to Do After a Burn or Spill

Burn injuries from Starbucks hot tea or coffee can happen in seconds and may cause significant damage. Whether the spill happened at the drive thru, inside the store, picking up a mobile order, or while carrying drinks to your car, the steps you take immediately after the injury may make a major difference. Our Florida product liability lawyers have handled several Starbucks burn injury claims for customers who were burned by hot coffee or tea. You can contact our AV-rated lawyers 24/7 for a free consultation.

This Florida Starbucks Burn Injury Checklist outlines different steps to consider if you were burned at Starbucks.

STEP 1: Move to Safety Immediately

If the burn happened:

• In your vehicle
• Inside the store
• While walking

Move away from the hazard to prevent further injury.

STEP 2: Cool the Burn

Use cool (not cold) water on the affected area for several minutes.

You should generally not use:

• Ice
• Butters
• Oils
• Home remedies

STEP 3: Remove Hot, Wet Clothing

If clothing is trapping heat:

• Remove it gently
• Stop if it sticks to the skin

Trapped liquid may deepen burns.

STEP 4: Document the Burn

Take clear, close-up photos of:

• Redness
• Blistering
• Swelling
• Clothing damage

Repeat photos over the next several days and weeks as burns evolve. This can be helpful to show the Starbucks claims adjuster what you went through during the healing process.

STEP 5: Photograph the Scene

If possible, take photographs of:

• The cup
• The lid
• The spill
• The drive thru window
• Floor hazards
• Wet areas
• The mobile order counter

Evidence disappears quickly, especially at busy Florida Starbucks locations.

STEP 6: Save All Evidence

If possible, you should try to keep:

• The cup
• The lid
• The carrier
• The sleeve
• Soaked clothing
• Napkins or towels used
• Your receipt
• Mobile order confirmation

Place items in a bag or container in case they need to be inspected.

STEP 7: Notify the Starbucks Manager

Ask the store manager to:

• Complete an incident report
• Document what employees said
• Confirm the store number and time

If the manager refuses, write your own summary and email Starbucks corporate. If you do complete an incident report, take a picture of it or ask for a copy. Try to get the manager’s name.

STEP 8: Collect Witness Information

Ask for names and phone numbers of:

• Passengers
• Other customers
• People standing near the spill
• Bystanders in the drive thru

Witnesses can help establish liability.

STEP 9: Seek Medical Treatment

If you were burned by hot coffee, consider going to:

• Urgent care
• Emergency room
• Burn specialist

Signs you should probably see a doctor immediately:

• Blistering
• Pain that worsens
• Burns to groin, thighs, abdomen, face, chest
• Burns on children

STEP 10: File a Claim With Starbucks / Sedgwick

You may file the injury claim by:

• Reporting to the store manager
• Contacting Starbucks customer care
• Working through Sedgwick (Starbucks’s claims admin)
• Hiring a Florida burn injury lawyer to handle it

Sedgwick may ask for:

• Photos
• Medical records
• Receipts
• Statements

Speak cautiously because Sedgwick typically represents Starbucks and they could try and use your statements against you. Having a lawyer with experience handling cases against Starbucks can advise you on how to best make a claim for personal injury.

STEP 11: Request Preservation of Starbucks Video

A lawyer can send a preservation letter to save:

• Drive thru video
• Interior video
• Register camera footage

Florida Starbucks stores often overwrite video within days.

STEP 12: Track All Expenses

Save receipts for:

• Medical copays
• Medication
• Ointments
• Bandages
• Burn care supplies
• Damaged clothing
• Transportation

These may be included in your claim.

STEP 13: Avoid Talking to Starbucks or Sedgwick Without Legal Guidance

Statements may be used against you, such as:

• Saying the burn “wasn’t too bad”
• Saying you “might have spilled it yourself”
• Apologizing
• Minimizing your pain

Be careful with phone calls as they may be recorded.

STEP 14: Consider Hiring a Florida Starbucks Burn Injury Lawyer

A lawyer may help:

• Preserve evidence
• Communicate with Sedgwick
• Obtain video footage
• Investigate employee conduct
• Evaluate liability
• Estimate case value
• Negotiate a settlement
• File a lawsuit if necessary

STEP 15: Know What Compensation You May Seek

Florida Starbucks burn victims may pursue compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Future medical care
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage (clothing, etc.)

Cases involving children or groin-area burns may be valued higher due to long-term effects.

STEP 16: Act Quickly

Florida has deadlines for injury claims. Evidence such as video can also disappear in days if not preserved.

How to Find a Lawyer with Experience Handling Claims Against Starbucks

Burn injuries from Starbucks hot drinks can disrupt your life physically, emotionally, and financially. Knowing the exact steps to take may help protect your health and legal rights.

Call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 for a free case review. No fees or costs unless we recover compensation. Our Florida burn lawyers have handled many injury claims against Starbucks.