A Texas woman has filed a lawsuit against a fast-food chain, alleging severe injuries from a coffee spill incident at one of its locations. Karen Buckner filed the complaint in Harris County District Court on December 18, 2024, naming Stuart W. Brown Inc., which operates McDonald Store No. 35048, as the defendant.
The case stems from an incident on February 4, 2023, when Buckner visited the McDonald's restaurant located at 6000 Richmond Avenue in Houston, Texas. According to the petition, after purchasing a cup of coffee, the lid allegedly disengaged and spilled hot coffee onto her lap while she was seated in her car. The spill reportedly caused serious burns and injuries that required ongoing medical treatment. Buckner's lawsuit accuses Stuart W. Brown Inc. of negligence and premises liability for failing to ensure safe packaging of their products and not providing adequate warnings about potential hazards.
Buckner argues that the defendant had control over the restaurant and should have been aware of the risks posed by defective packaging. She claims that this negligence directly led to her injuries. "Defendant failed to use ordinary care by failing to properly package their product in a reasonable manner," states the petition. Furthermore, Buckner alleges negligent undertaking and training on part of Stuart W. Brown Inc., arguing that they did not adequately train employees or implement necessary safety protocols regarding product packaging.
In terms of relief sought, Buckner is asking for monetary compensation ranging from $250,000 to $1 million for damages including medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, and mental anguish among others. She also seeks pre-judgment interest from the date of injury through judgment date at maximum legal rates.
Representing Karen Buckner is attorney Annie Basu from Basu Law Firm PLLC based in Houston. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-87932 under Judge Jonathan Vela in Harris County District Court.