NJ Woman Burned After Dunkin' Workers Put Wrong Lid On Cup: Lawsuit

HAWTHORNE, NJ — A New Jersey woman says she was permanently injured after Dunkin' employees put the wrong lid on her hot cup of coffee, and it spilled on her.

Zina Lewis of East Orange bought a hot coffee at a Dunkin' in Hawthorne on July 15, according to a personal injury lawsuit filed in state court. Lewis claims that employees at the store (84 Goffle Road) put the incorrect lid on the cup. When she went to take a drink, the lid came loose and scalding liquid spilled onto her body and limbs.

As a result, Lewis sustained "severe and painful injuries" both internally and externally and has not be able to go about her life as usual, the lawsuit states. She required surgical intervention and has been told some of the injuries are permanent, according to court records.

Lewis also claims that the coffee had been heated beyond industry standards, and was not at a safe temperature to serve to the public. She is accusing Dunkin' of being negligent and careless by serving overly hot coffee in a cup with a lid that was not properly secured.

Lewis is seeking damages to recover the cost of her medical expenses, and asking for a jury trial in the lawsuit, which was filed Nov. 15. Dunkin' is named in the suit, along with several unnamed employees and corporations.

The coffee and donut giant has faced several other lawsuits from New Jersey customers, including another this year where a customer claims the lid was not secured properly.

Dunkin' did not immediately return Patch's request for comment.