Experts in Hot Beverage Litigation
110 Riggs Road - Suite B, Hinesburg, VT 05461
(802) 799-2235

Spill Burn Expert Witness

Consultation and expert witness testimony for litigation related to hot beverage spill burns 

As a hot beverage expert witness, Dan Cox has successfully provided consultation and expert witness testimony on dozens of cases for foodservice establishments, airlines, transportation corporations, cup manufacturers, and makers of commercial and home brewing equipment. 

His expert witness testimony has fortified the defense in cases related to the temperature of the beverage at the time of brewing, service, or spill, drive-thru spills, and the functioning of commercial brewing equipment.

Dan has worked for over four decades in the coffee and tea industry, honing expertise in best practices for brewing and serving, the reasons very high temperatures are required for a quality product, and the proper operation of commercial brewing equipment.

His CV includes:

  • President and Owner of Coffee Enterprises, providing trained coffee & tea analysis, technical consulting, and research to to top industry brands and manufacturing companies since 1992

  • Consultation and expert witness testimony in more than 80 hot beverage spill lawsuits, for clients including McDonald’s, Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A, Dunkin’, Greyhound Lines, and American Airlines

  • Author of two books outlining industry standards around brew temperature, best practices for serving hot beverages, and the history of spill burn litigation

  • Media appearances and interviews, including Good Morning America, CNN, and NBC

  • Past President and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Specialty Coffee Association of America

  • As a Licensed Q-Grader, Dan is credentialed by the Coffee Quality Institute to grade and score coffees using standards developed by the Specialty Coffee Association of America 

Services:

  • Evaluating the strength of a spill burn case

  • Training counsel on relevant technical issues and hot beverage industry best practices

  • Performing testing on equipment or products via sister company Coffee Enterprises

  • Preparing demonstrative evidence 

  • Expert report reviewing and responding to the case.

  • Providing forensic expert witness testimony for deposition or at trial

Call Dan Cox at (802) 799-2235 to set up a brief initial consultation to discuss your case.