Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick has posted a series of photos on social media showing several stages of a nasty Starbucks burn injury she received after being scalded by hot water from the coffee chain.
According to a news report, the photo showed the burn area starting to peel with a bright red mark on Patrick’s left leg. Patrick has been documenting this injury on Instagram for the last few days.
Documenting Her Starbucks Burn Injury on Instagram
On Dec. 1, 2024, 42-year-old Danica Patrick shared a series of shocking images via Instagram Story after some scalding water did some damage to her skin. The photo showed a circular burn mark and a large red area around it. Patrick asked, “Is there anyone else who feels their hot water is excessively hot?” in response to the photo.
On the third day after her burn, Patrick posted another image of her thigh, which showed an intense red circle with the area around the burn mark beginning to scar. She captioned the picture “Day 3” with a meme of Kirsten Wiig’s Target Lady character from Saturday Night Live looking on with a disgusted expression. Patrick then posted another image of the burn, this one with a large bandage covering the area.
Spotlight on Scalding Injuries
Scalding injuries occur when skin comes into contact with hot liquids or steam. These types of injuries are common in domestic and occupational settings, as well as in restaurants and coffee shops, often resulting from boiling water, hot beverages, cooking oil, or steam. They can range in severity from superficial burns to deep tissue damage requiring medical intervention.
According to the American Burn Association, scald burns account for over one-third of burn injuries in the United States. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable. For children under 5 years of age, scalding is the leading cause of burn injuries, often linked to accidents like pulling hot liquids off a counter or being splashed during cooking. In older adults, reduced mobility and slower reaction times increase the risk.
The Physical and Psychological Impact of Burn Injuries
Scald burns can have long-term physical and psychological consequences, including scarring and emotional trauma. They can also profoundly impact a victim’s quality of life. Physically, these injuries can range from minor or superficial burns to severe, deep burns that damage skin, muscles, or even underlying tissues.
Depending on the severity, scald burns can lead to chronic pain, infection, and complications such as fluid loss and hypothermia in acute cases. Scarring and disfigurement are common, with some cases requiring skin grafts or reconstructive surgery. Reduced mobility or function in affected areas may also occur, particularly where joints are involved.
Psychologically, the impact of scalding burns is often as significant as the physical damage. Victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, especially if the injury is severe or life-threatening. Visible scarring or disfigurement can lead to body image issues and social withdrawal, affecting self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. Children especially may struggle to process the trauma, resulting in developmental and emotional challenges.
Can a Coffee Shop Be Held Liable for Scalding Burns?
A coffee shop can be held liable for scalding burns if plaintiffs can prove negligence or a breach of duty of care. Businesses are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment for their customers, including minimizing foreseeable risks of injury. In the context of a coffee shop, liability often hinges on factors such as the temperature of the beverages, warnings provided, and the specific circumstances of the incident.
If hot water or a beverage is served at an excessively high temperature beyond what is considered reasonably safe, and this leads to a scalding injury, the coffee shop may be held responsible. In the well-known McDonald’s coffee case, a jury found the company liable after serving coffee at dangerously high temperatures without adequate warnings, resulting in severe burns to a customer.
In that case, 79-year-old Stella Liebeck bought a cup of takeout coffee at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Albuquerque and spilled it on her lap. She sued the fast food chain, and a jury awarded her nearly $3 million in punitive damages for the severe burns she suffered.
Failure to properly warn about the potential for burn injuries can strengthen a liability claim. Most coffee shops now include cautionary labels, such as “Caution: Hot” on cups to mitigate this risk. However, the establishment could be held liable if the warning is absent or insufficient. A coffee shop might also be liable if negligence is demonstrated, such as a poorly secured lid on a cup, an unstable surface, or employee actions that directly contribute to an accident.
It is unclear if any of these scenarios played a part in the Starbucks burn injury to Danica Patrick.
What to Do If You Have Suffered a Scalding Injury
If you suffer a scalding injury at a restaurant or coffee shop, taking immediate steps can protect your health and support any potential legal claims. Treat burns immediately by running cool water over the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes. Avoid using ice, as it can worsen the damage. For severe burns, seek professional medical help without delay. Also, be sure to preserve all medical records and keep track of medical expenses.
Record details of what happened, including the cause of the burn, whether it was a spilled drink or an excessively hot beverage. Take photographs of your injuries, the surroundings, and any potential hazards, such as unstable tables or improperly sealed lids. Notify the restaurant or coffee shop staff about the incident and make sure they log it in their records. Request a copy of the report for your records.
Gather contact information from witnesses who can corroborate your account. Retain any relevant items, such as the cup or lid, which may demonstrate negligence. You must consult a personal injury lawyer if you believe the establishment’s negligence caused your injury. They can help protect your rights, evaluate your case, help you seek compensation, and hold the negligent parties accountable.
At Bisnar Chase, our team has decades of experience handling product negligence cases with an outstanding track record. Contact us for a free consultation.
Source: https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/danica-patrick-shares-gnarly-pics-after-getting-burned-at-starbucks/
