3 Dunkin NJ Lawsuits Filed, Residents Claim Injuries Over Hot Coffee

NEW JERSEY - Three Garden State residents have separately filed lawsuits against coffee giant Dunkin’, claiming its hot coffee causes burns when spilled and storefronts are too hazardous.

Evan Arlington and his wife Stephanie Arlington-Macisa were the first to pursue litigation against the breakfast chain, according to a complaint filed April 4 in the Superior Court of Passaic County.

The lawsuit alleges that the store was "negligent in the preparation, sale and service of the coffee … in that it was too hot" by causing second- and third-degree burns on Arlington's skin.

"As a result of the injuries suffered by her husband, this plaintiff suffered a loss of her husband's aid, comfort, conjugal fellowship and consortium," the complaint says of Arlington's wife. Read more: NJ Man Sues Dunkin', Claims Coffee Was Too Hot, Caused Severe Burns

A separate lawsuit was filed on April 13, this time by a Bergen County couple alleging that ho coffee served in 2020 was "served excessively hot coffee in a negligent and dangerous fashion."

The lawsuit claims the lid and the cup were mismatched and did not fit "and as a result its excessively hot contents spilled" onto plaintiff Paul Haggerty.

Haggerty alleges he was "painfully and permanently injured" and in the future will "incur, medical and surgical expenses in an effort to cure" his injuries, court documents said. Read more: Bergen Co. Man 'Permanently Injured' From Dunkin' Hot Coffee: Lawsuit

The most recent legal action against Dunkin’ from a New Jersey resident came April 15 from a Camden County resident who claims that she can no longer perform usual activities due to a fall in a Gloucester Township store.

The plaintiff alleges the fall stems from Dunkin', the Marketplace at Chews Landing and Paramount Chews Landing, as well as 10 individuals who are not named in the lawsuit, failing to "inspect the premises, maintain the premises" and warn of any potential hazards, according to the court documents. Read more: Woman Sues Dunkin' Donuts, Shopping Center In Gloucester Twp.

A request for comment from Dunkin' was not immediately returned.