FIRST HISTORY FROM DURHAM: Copper Flagg Wins $80 Million Lawsuit Over Burns from Starbucks Tea After Suffering Permanent Injuries from Duke Blue Devils Basketball…
In a dramatic legal victory, Copper Flagg, a 28-year-old basketball player from Durham, North Carolina, has been awarded $80 million in damages after a lawsuit accused Starbucks of serving a dangerously hot tea that caused severe burns to his body. The lawsuit, which has been a topic of intense public interest, claims that the incident has left Flagg with permanent injuries that have significantly affected both his personal and professional life.
The incident occurred in 2022 when Flagg, an avid supporter of the Duke Blue Devils basketball team, stopped at a Starbucks in Durham. Flagg ordered a hot tea, a beverage he had enjoyed for years. However, upon receiving the cup, he allegedly spilled the drink on his lap while driving home. According to the lawsuit, the tea was served at an excessively high temperature, causing immediate and severe third-degree burns to his legs and groin area.
Flagg was rushed to the hospital, where doctors reported that the burns were so severe they would result in permanent scarring. “This has been a life-changing experience for me,” said Flagg during a press conference. “Not only did I suffer unimaginable pain, but this injury has also left me unable to continue my athletic career and has affected my mental and emotional well-being.”
The lawsuit claimed that Starbucks was negligent in its handling of the tea, asserting that the company failed to properly monitor the temperature of its beverages and that the drink was dangerously hot, far exceeding the safe limits typically adhered to by other coffee chains. Additionally, the lawsuit accused the coffee giant of not providing adequate warnings on the cups to inform customers of the potential risks associated with consuming such hot beverages.
Flagg’s injuries were particularly devastating because he had been an aspiring professional basketball player. A former member of the Duke Blue Devils basketball team, Flagg had been working towards a spot in the NBA. However, the severity of his injuries left him with mobility issues and chronic pain, effectively ending his basketball career.
The trial, which concluded last week, saw both sides presenting their arguments before a jury. The defense for Starbucks argued that the company followed industry standards in the preparation and temperature of its beverages, and that customers are generally aware of the potential risks of consuming hot drinks. They further contended that Flagg was partially responsible for the injuries due to his alleged mishandling of the cup.
However, the jury sided with Flagg, ruling that Starbucks had indeed been negligent. The verdict included $80 million in compensatory damages, including compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost future earnings. Additionally, the jury awarded punitive damages, marking a significant blow to Starbucks, which has faced increasing scrutiny over its handling of customer safety.
Flagg’s attorney, David Reynolds, expressed satisfaction with the verdict. “This case was not just about seeking justice for Copper. It was about sending a message to big corporations like Starbucks that they need to prioritize customer safety above all else,” Reynolds said. “This is a victory not just for Copper, but for everyone who has ever been harmed by a company’s negligence.”
While Starbucks has yet to release an official statement regarding the verdict, the company is reportedly considering an appeal. Meanwhile, Copper Flagg has vowed to use his settlement money to further his education and pursue a new career path, focusing on advocacy for burn victims and safety standards in the food and beverage industry.
The case has sparked renewed debates over consumer safety, corporate responsibility, and the potential risks of hot beverages, with many questioning whether current regulations go far enough to protect consumers. Flagg’s legal victory, however, serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting consequences that can result from corporate negligence.
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