At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent individuals who have been harmed by dangerous household products. If you’ve been burned by a SharkNinja pressure cooker or any other defective appliance, our experienced legal team is here to help.

Why Was the SharkNinja Pressure Cooker Recalled?

The recall stems from a serious design flaw in the pressure cooker’s lid. According to the CPSC, the lid can be inadvertently opened while the unit is still pressurized, allowing hot food, steam, and liquid to erupt from the pot, leading to severe burns.

The recall affects models with a 6.5-quart capacity, often branded as a combination pressure cooker and air fryer, and sold at major retailers including:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Costco
• Target

These units were available for purchase from January 2019 through March 2025.

Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled cookers immediately and to contact SharkNinja for a free replacement lid at 888-370-1733 or sharkninja@rqa-inc.com.

Burn Injuries from Defective Pressure Cookers

Burn injuries caused by pressure cookers can be catastrophic and life-altering. Common injuries include:

• Second-degree burns: Blistering, pain, and swelling that can result in scarring.
• Third-degree burns: Full-thickness burns that can destroy nerves and tissue, requiring skin grafts and long-term medical care.
• Facial and eye injuries: Resulting from steam explosions and hot food sprays.

These injuries often require emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, reconstructive surgeries, and extensive recovery time, leading to lost wages, pain and suffering, and psychological distress.

Can You File a Product Liability Lawsuit in Florida?

Yes. Under Florida product liability law, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held legally responsible when a product causes injury due to:

• Defective design
• Manufacturing defects
• Failure to warn or provide adequate instructions

Florida law allows victims to seek compensation through a strict liability claim if the product was unreasonably dangerous and caused harm while being used as intended.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a SharkNinja pressure cooker or another faulty kitchen appliance, you may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement or scarring
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

In the case of wrongful death, surviving family members may also pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, which can provide compensation for funeral costs, loss of support, and emotional suffering.

Free Consultation With a Florida Product Liability Lawyer

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients harmed by defective products. We intentionally limit our caseload so we can give your case the personal attention it deserves. When you work with us, you receive:

• Direct communication with an attorney
• No upfront costs. We only get paid if we win
• A legal team with deep knowledge of Florida product liability law

We serve clients across Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. If you or a family member suffered burns or injuries from a recalled SharkNinja pressure cooker, don’t wait. You may have limited time to file a claim under Florida’s statute of limitations. Call us 24/7 at (305) 638-4143 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

On February 8, 2020, Michael Garcia was working as a Postmates delivery driver when he picked up three venti “Medicine Ball” teas from a Starbucks drive-thru. A Starbucks employee handed him a cardboard drink carrier, but as Garcia took the drinks, one cup tipped over and spilled scalding tea into his lap.

• The lid popped off, allowing the boiling hot liquid to soak through Garcia’s clothing, burning his groin, penis, and inner thighs.
• He suffered third-degree burns, requiring two skin graft surgeries at the Grossman Burn Center.
• He continues to experience pain and discomfort, with even slight friction to the area causing significant suffering.

Garcia’s attorneys argued that Starbucks employees failed to properly secure the cup in the drink carrier, resulting in an avoidable accident. The jury found Starbucks negligent and awarded Garcia $50 million in damages, holding the coffee giant accountable for his permanent injuries and life-altering consequences.

How Does This Apply to Florida Burn Injury Lawsuits?

Under Florida law, individuals who suffer burn injuries due to a company’s negligence may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. This includes cases where a business fails to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to customers.

To establish liability in a burn injury lawsuit, a victim must prove:

• The business had a duty of care to prevent foreseeable harm.
• The business or its employees acted negligently (e.g., handing over unstable drinks).
• The negligence directly caused the injury.
• The victim suffered damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In Garcia’s case, his attorneys successfully argued that Starbucks was negligent in its handling of hot beverages, leading to a foreseeable injury.

In some burn injury cases, liability may also fall under product liability laws if the cup, lid, or drink carrier was defectively designed. Florida law recognizes claims for:

• Defective design – If a product is inherently dangerous (e.g., unstable lids that frequently pop off).
• Manufacturing defects – If a product was made improperly (e.g., faulty materials that weaken the drink carrier).
• Failure to warn – If a business does not provide proper warnings about the temperature of the drink.

What to Do If You Suffer a Burn Injury at a Florida Business

If you or a loved one suffer a burn injury due to a business’s negligence, it’s essential to take the following steps:

• Consult a Personal Injury Attorney – An experienced Florida burn injury lawyer can evaluate your case and help you pursue compensation.
• Seek Medical Attention – Burns, especially third-degree burns, require immediate medical care to prevent infection and permanent damage.
• Document the Scene – Take photos of the spill, defective packaging, and any warning labels on the product.
• Get Witness Statements – If anyone saw the accident, their testimony could support your claim.
• Preserve Evidence – Keep clothing, cups, lids, and drink carriers as potential evidence.

The $50 million Starbucks verdict serves as a warning to businesses nationwide, reinforcing the importance of handling hot beverages with care. Companies must train employees, ensure safe packaging, and respond proactively to customer injuries to avoid similar lawsuits.

For Florida residents, cases like Garcia’s emphasize the importance of understanding your legal rights. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to negligence, consulting with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney can help you seek justice and fair compensation.

If you have questions about a burn injury claim in Florida, contact our team at 305-638-4143 today for a free consultation.

This highlights an important legal issue: when businesses serve beverages at dangerously high temperatures, are they liable for injuries caused to their customers? This blog explores the legal framework for burn injury claims in Florida, what victims need to know, and how to hold negligent businesses accountable.

What Happened to Danica Patrick?

On December 1st, 42-year-old Danica Patrick shared a series of photos on Instagram documenting a severe burn on her left thigh caused by hot water from Starbucks. The images revealed significant redness, blistering, and scarring, with Patrick expressing frustration about the dangerously high temperature of the water.

Patrick’s experience is not unique. Similar incidents have resulted in legal claims, with some leading to substantial settlements or verdicts for victims.

When Is a Business Liable for Burn Injuries in Florida?

Under Florida law, businesses like Starbucks owe their customers a duty of care to ensure their products and services are safe. If a business fails in this duty and causes harm, they may be held liable under premises liability or negligence laws.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Beverage-Related Incidents

1. Excessively High Temperatures: Serving beverages or water at temperatures that can cause immediate burns.
2. Improper Handling: Employees failing to secure lids or properly hand beverages to customers.
3. Defective Containers: Cups, lids, or carriers that fail, causing spills.

Proving Negligence in Burn Injury Cases

To hold a business accountable, the plaintiff must demonstrate:

• Duty of Care: The business had a responsibility to provide a safe product.
• Breach of Duty: The business failed to meet reasonable safety standards.
• Causation: The breach directly caused the injury.
• Damages: The victim suffered measurable losses, such as medical expenses, pain, or lost wages.

Types of Burn Injuries from Hot Beverages

Burns caused by hot beverages or water can range from minor to severe, with varying long-term effects:

• First-Degree Burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness and minor pain.
• Second-Degree Burns: Damage deeper layers of skin, resulting in blisters, swelling, and significant pain.
• Third-Degree Burns: Penetrate all layers of skin, causing severe damage, scarring, and potential nerve loss.

Danica Patrick’s photos suggest a second-degree burn, which can require weeks of recovery and result in permanent scarring.

Damages Recoverable in Florida Burn Injury Cases

Victims of burn injuries caused by a business’s negligence may be entitled to compensation, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work.
• Future medical costs: Ongoing treatment for scarring or pain management.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scars or physical changes.
• Loss of quality of life: Inability to enjoy activities or hobbies due to the injury.

Burn Injury Claims Against Starbucks

Burn injuries from hot beverages at establishments like Starbucks have led to several notable legal cases, highlighting the importance of proper safety measures in the food service industry. Here are some significant incidents:

1. Joanne Mogavero (2014)
In Florida, Joanne Mogavero suffered first- and second-degree burns when the lid of her 20-ounce coffee cup dislodged as it was handed to her through a drive-thru window, spilling 190°F coffee into her lap. A jury awarded her $100,000, covering medical expenses and pain and suffering.

2. Mary Simms (2021)

Mary Simms from Tomball, Texas, filed a lawsuit seeking up to $75,000 after sustaining first- and second-degree burns from a coffee spill. She alleged that the Starbucks employee failed to secure the cup’s lid properly, leading to the spill.

3. Muriel Evans (2022)

In Lynwood, California, Muriel Evans experienced severe burns when a Starbucks barista handed her a coffee at approximately 190°F, and the lid popped off, spilling the hot liquid onto her lap. The lawsuit claims Starbucks was aware of defective lids and excessively hot beverages but failed to take corrective action.

4. Tommy Piluyev (2020)

In Northern California, Tommy Piluyev suffered severe burns during a drive-thru visit to a Roseville Starbucks. While receiving two Honey Citrus Mint Teas, the lid of the second cup came off, spilling scalding liquid onto his hands, stomach, and pelvic area. The burns required 11 days of hospitalization in a burn unit, where he underwent intensive pain management and wound care. Piluyev and his wife filed a lawsuit against Starbucks and Pactiv Packaging Inc., the manufacturer of the cups and lids, citing product liability and negligence.

5. Deanna Solas-Solando (2017)

Deanna Solas-Solando filed a lawsuit after a Starbucks barista in Denver, Colorado, handed her a venti tea without a heat sleeve, double cup, or securely fastened lid. According to the lawsuit, the scalding hot tea spilled, melting her clothes and causing severe burns to her abdomen and thighs. Tragically, her dog was also burned and later died after receiving treatment at an animal hospital.

6. Katherine Miza (2014)

Houston attorney Katherine Mize filed a lawsuit against Starbucks and a barista, alleging severe burns caused by a hot coffee spill at a drive-thru. According to the lawsuit, the barista, identified as Brie, squeezed the cup while handing it to Mize, causing the lid to come off and spilling scalding coffee on her body. The lawsuit claims Starbucks’ coffee cups and serving temperatures were “unreasonably dangerous” and accuses the company of failing to properly train employees. 

7. Philina Cha (2017)

Philina Cha filed a lawsuit against Starbucks after suffering severe burns from hot water served at a Portland location. According to the lawsuit, the cup of hot water provided with her coffee either lacked a proper lid or had a defective one, causing the liquid to spill down her leg and into her boot. The burns were so severe that Cha required skin grafts and has permanent scarring from the incident.

How to Protect Your Rights After a Burn Injury

If you suffer a burn injury caused by a hot beverage or water, take the following steps:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   Documenting the extent of your injuries with medical records is critical for your case.
2. Preserve Evidence
   Take photos of the injury, save any receipts or packaging, and document the circumstances of the incident.
3. Report the Incident
   File a formal complaint with the business and request a copy of their incident report.
4. Consult an Experienced Burn Injury Attorney
   A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can investigate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with the business or their insurer for a fair settlement.

How Our Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we have extensive experience handling burn injury claims in Florida. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take, and we’re committed to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.

Our team will:

• Investigate the incident and gather compelling evidence.
• Work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries.
• Handle negotiations with the business or their insurer.
• Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Danica Patrick’s Starbucks burn incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by excessively hot beverages and the legal recourse available to victims. Businesses have a responsibility to prioritize customer safety, and when they fail to do so, they can be held accountable through legal action.

If you’ve suffered a burn injury due to a business’s negligence, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free consultation. Our dedicated team will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call 305-638-4143 or fill out our online form to get started today.

One common consequence of burn injuries is that they can disrupt or partially damage the nerves. The symptoms of burn injury nerve damage typically consist of pain, numbness, burning, tingling, and weakness. This can also cause sensitivity to touch.

In some cases, burn injuries are so severe that there is no pain at all right away. This is a sign that the burn severely damaged the nerves. For third- and fourth-degree burns that severely damage or destroy nerve endings, a patient may feel no pain at all at the actual burn site.

• A first-degree burn only affects the outer layer of skin, and a victim may only experience minor irritation and likely no nerve damage.
• A second-degree burn can affect the outer layer as well as the dermis, or the layer underneath the outer layer of skin. This can result in red and swollen skin that will likely blister and painful to touch. These burns typically do not leave any lasting nerve damage for victims.
• A third-degree burn is usually referred to as a “full-thickness burn” that completely destroys two full layers of skin. This type of burn can certainly impact a person’s nerves.
• A fourth-degree burn is considered the most severe type of burn. This is a deep burn that can destroy skin, muscles, tendons, and even bones. This type of burn typically destroys nerves around the burn site.

What Are the Noticeable Effects of Nerve Pain?

It may seem like a rhetorical question to ask how nerve pain will affect a victim. Clearly, no burn victim wants to experience pain or any other physiological effects of nerve damage. However, deep, constant, and chronic pain can also affect a burn victim’s psychological and emotional well-being. Severe burns and the associated nerve damage can lead to a person experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, and even suicidal thoughts. If this severe nerve damage is coupled with significant scarring or disfigurement, the mental effects could be amplified.

What Types of Treatment Work for Nerve Damage Pain After a Burn?

There may be various types of treatment associated with handling nerve pain in the aftermath of a burn injury. Treating nerve pain early in the process reduces the risk of more significant and permanent damage to the nerves. Some of the most common treatments associated with these injuries include:

• Pain medication (over the counter and prescription)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Anticonvulsant and antidepressant drugs
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Physical therapy and massage therapy
• Relaxation methods, including meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises

Working With an Attorney After a Burn Injury

If you or a loved one have sustained a burn injury caused by the careless or negligent actions of somebody else, you may need to work with an attorney in order to secure compensation for your injuries. Treating burn injuries, particularly the long-lasting effects associated with nerve pain, can be incredibly expensive. Victims should be able to recover full compensation for their losses from the negligent party in these cases. A skilled Miami burn injury lawyer will be able to help you get through this process.

Proving Liability for a Chemical Burn

Most chemical burn lawsuits originate in the workplace. Every day, millions of American employees in various industries face risks of chemical burns from the various chemicals present in their workplaces. Cleaning agents, solvents, industrial chemicals, and even some food ingredients used in food product manufacturing can cause chemical burns in certain situations. When a chemical burn occurs in the workplace, the injured victim’s first step toward recovery is usually a workers’ compensation claim.

Workers’ compensation benefits exist to offer economic relief to injured workers. These benefits may offset initial medical expenses and provide weekly benefits while the victim is unable to work due to his or her recovery. However, workers’ compensation rarely offers enough to fully cover the cost of damages resulting from a chemical burn. In some cases, an injured employee may need to take legal action against a negligent employer, product manufacturer, or a third party for damages from a chemical burn.

Product Liability for Chemical Burns

All product manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are safe and effective and perform as advertised. Some products are unavoidably dangerous due to their intended use. For example, some heavy-duty cleaning agents are extremely dangerous to humans, but their dangerous nature is necessary for them to perform their intended uses. For example, bleach is an incredibly powerful cleaner and stain remover, but it can easily cause skin irritation or even serious damage if it enters a person’s eyes or mouth.

If a product manufacturer released an unreasonably dangerous or defective product that causes a chemical burn, the victim may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer. In such a case, the plaintiff must prove the product in question is either defective or unreasonably dangerous and that the defective or dangerous nature of the product caused the plaintiff’s claimed damages. To succeed with a product liability claim, a plaintiff must prove the product in question was defective in one of three possible ways:

• Defective design. A flaw in the design of the product caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
• Defective production. An error in the manufacturing process resulted in the defect.
• Defective marketing. The product did not include required safety warnings or instructions for use, or the manufacturer misrepresented the product in marketing materials.

The plaintiff may also prove liability by showing the product was unreasonably dangerous even with normal use.

Potential Compensation for a Chemical Burn Lawsuit

Chemical burns are extremely damaging injuries, and regardless of who the defendant is in a chemical burn lawsuit, the victim can potentially recover various types of compensation for a chemical burn claim.

• Plaintiffs can recover immediate and future medical expenses. A chemical burn may entail secondary complications beyond skin damage, potentially resulting in long-term or permanent medical issues.
• If a chemical burn prevents the victim from working, he or she can claim lost income and lost future earning capacity if he or she cannot return to work.
• A chemical burn can be an extremely painful injury, so plaintiffs can recover compensation for physical pain and mental anguish resulting from a chemical burn.

Some chemical burns can also result in illness, respiratory complications, or even increase the victim’s susceptibility to infection or certain types of cancer. Since the potential damages from a chemical burn are likely significant, a lawsuit can yield substantial recovery for a chemical burn victim.