Date: 01-29-2002

Case Style: Dawn Samperisi v. Starbucks

Case Number: Unknown

Judge: Unknown

Court: Supreme Court, New York County, New York

Plaintiff's Attorney: Seth A. Harris, New York, New York

Defendant's Attorney: Ray Slattery, New York, New York

Description: Plaintiff's right hand was severely burned by a espresso machine when steam and coffee explosed from a Starbucks expresso machine. Plaintiff's right hand was left pratically useless as a result of the burns which Starburk's attorneys claimed were her fault. The accident occurred at a Starbucks when Plaintiff asked about buying the machine as a gift on February 25, 1999. An employee offered to show her the machine and during the demonstration the machine blew apart and Plaintiff was scalded by the steam from the machine. Samperisi suffered first- and second-degree burns that resulted in reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a nervous system disorder that left her unable to use the hand. Plaintiff claimed that Starbucks was negligent in teaching its employees how to use the espresso machine.

Outcome: Plaintiff's verdict for $4.6 million with a find that she was 25% at fault.

Plaintiff's Experts: Unknown

Defendant's Experts: Unknown

Comments: E-mail suggested corrections, comments and/or corrections to: Kent Morlan

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