Lei V Café Solstice : A Courtroom Success

No two lawsuits are the same, but after over 40 years in the hot beverage industry, we’ve seen similarities in many of the cases we consult on. A recent case entails many of the common complaints found in a hot beverage spill and burn lawsuits, and illustrates how an expert in hot beverages can strengthen your case and assist your legal team in presenting your case.

Café Solstice, in Seattle,Washington, was served a lawsuit in regards to a spill burn that occurred in their café. In 2019, a regular customer who worked nearby spilled her coffee while standing at the counter and received burns on her thighs.

This case encapsulated one of the most common claims we see in hot beverage related lawsuits. The coffee was just too hot.

With over 40 years in the coffee industry, Dan Cox was able to consult on the case, and testify on the optimal temperature required to brew a cup of coffee – or Americano, in this case. To extract the optimal balance of flavors, without over or under extracting, coffee should be brewed within the 195 – 205°F (90.5–96.1°C). This temperature range allows coffee to present a level of soluble concentration and extraction that follows Specialty Coffee Association guidelines. This temperature is hot enough to burn, but is required to produce what consumers know as a cup of coffee.

Of course, coffee and other hot beverages are meant to be treated with care, as they are served hot. Since there is no way to determine the exact temperature each consumer prefers to drink their beverage, coffee is brewed at the ideal temperature, and it is up to each consumer to determine if the drink is their preferred temperature for consumption after it is served.

Once in court, Dan Cox presented evidence, through studies and historical data, that coffee brewed at between 195 – 205°F (90.5–96.1°C) is the standard for commercial coffee machines and produces an optimal product. Backed up by decades of hot beverage science from a variety of sources, it is easy to impress upon the court the utmost importance temperature plays in brewing and serving a hot beverage to a consumer.

In this case, the jury returned their verdict unanimously for our client – agreeing that the coffee was served at an appropriate temperature and no liability was held by our client. While a unanimous decision is not required for a civil proceeding, it does show the strength of the case made in favor of ideal brewing temperatures.

Only a small percentage of cases arrive at trial. Hiring a consultant to serve as an expert in court, strengths your position, and shows your willingness to prove the facts of your case. This can assist in the court room and the settlement table. By present details about the coffee and the beverage based on our expertise and industry experience, we work alongside our clients to prepare a strong position in the courtroom. Our services, and capabilities includes significant testing, examination of equipment, through our sister company Coffee Enterprises, along with a summary report of our findings.

Visit the safety store to see the tools were created to prevent spills and injuries. Call Dan Cox & Associates today to explore how our consulting services can bolster your legal claims and support your positions in court. Call 802-799-2235 or email dancox@handlinghotbeverages.com