Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm is a premier personal injury law practice in Las Vegas, dedicated to delivering justice for accident victims. With a reputation for relentless advocacy and client-focused representation, The Firm ensures injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve.
Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps—and neither do its cafés, lounges, and restaurants. With 24/7 service across hotel lobbies, casinos, and room service trays, it’s not uncommon for hot beverages like coffee and tea to be served at temperatures well above 160°F. But what happens when that steaming cup causes serious injury?
Scalding liquid injuries may seem minor—until they aren’t. In reality, hot beverage burns can lead to severe second- and third-degree burns, permanent scarring, nerve damage, infections, and costly medical treatment. When that injury occurs because of poor handling, unsafe containers, or a negligent server, the restaurant or hotel may be held legally responsible under Nevada premises liability law.
Why Hot Liquid Injuries Happen in Las Vegas
Most hot beverage injuries result from a preventable moment of carelessness. In high-traffic Vegas venues, these common causes frequently lead to burns:
- Overfilled coffee cups or flimsy lids
- Loose or unsecured trays delivered to guest rooms
- Server or staff spills
- Self-service machines that overflow or malfunction
- Hot beverages handed to children or unstable patrons
- Drinks placed on unstable tables or without sleeves
In hospitality environments, scalding coffee and tea aren’t just an inconvenience—they’re a safety hazard, especially when temperatures exceed 160°F. Liquids at 155°F can cause third-degree burns in as little as one second.
Remember the McDonald’s Coffee Case?
The famous 1992 case, Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants, serves as a landmark example. An elderly woman spilled 180°F coffee on her lap, suffering third-degree burns and requiring skin grafts. Though often misrepresented in the media, the case revealed McDonald’s had received hundreds of complaints about similar injuries—and still continued to serve dangerously hot coffee.
The jury awarded $2.7 million in punitive damages (later reduced), sparking national debate—but also reinforcing that corporations owe a duty of care to consumers. The same principle applies to Las Vegas hotels, cafés, and restaurants today.
Nevada Law: When Is a Venue Liable for a Scalding Injury?
Under Nevada’s premises liability and negligence laws, a venue may be held responsible if:
- They owed you a duty of care – Businesses must take reasonable precautions to ensure guest safety.
- They breached that duty – Unsafe temperatures, poor container quality, or careless handling may qualify.
- The breach caused your injury – There must be a direct link between the business’s action (or inaction) and your burns.
- You suffered real damages – Medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and permanent injuries may all be recoverable.
Examples of Real-World Hot Liquid Injuries in Vegas Venues
Case Example #1: Hotel Lounge Spill
A cocktail server at a luxury Strip resort spilled hot coffee on a guest’s lap while leaning over a booth. The guest sustained second-degree thigh burns requiring weeks of care. A settlement was reached after video footage showed improper handling.
Case Example #2: Faulty Lid in a Room Service Delivery
A tourist ordered tea via room service. The cup lid came loose, spilling boiling liquid on her chest as she opened the tray. The hotel’s internal logs revealed prior complaints about the same cup type. The guest sued for negligence and unsafe container use.
Case Example #3: Burned by Coffee at a Buffet Machine
An elderly diner using a self-serve coffee machine at a hotel buffet suffered hand and wrist burns when the machine malfunctioned. The hotel had received prior maintenance warnings but failed to act. Liability was established based on negligence and failure to repair known equipment issues.
What to Do If You’re Burned by a Hot Beverage in Las Vegas
- Seek medical attention immediately – Burns can worsen quickly, even if they appear minor at first.
- Take photos of the injury and the scene – Include the cup, lid, tray, or spill area.
- Report the incident to venue management – Request a written incident report.
- Get witness contact information – Staff or other guests may be vital to your case.
- Preserve all receipts and room service tickets – These prove where and when the incident occurred.
- Do not accept blame or post publicly about the incident – Let your attorney guide your communication.
- Contact The Firm – The sooner our team can begin an investigation, the stronger your claim may be.
Potential Compensation in Scalding Injury Claims
If your injury was caused by a business’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room treatment
- Burn wound care and plastic surgery
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
- Reduced quality of life
In particularly egregious cases—such as repeated violations or known defective equipment—punitive damages may also apply.
Special Considerations for Out-of-State Visitors
Many scalding injury victims are tourists who return home before symptoms worsen. Burns can blister, scar, or become infected days after the event. Fortunately, if the injury occurred in Nevada, you can still file a claim in Nevada courts, even from another state.
The Firm offers remote consultations and case management to assist injured travelers in pursuing justice—without needing to return to Vegas.
Why Choose The Firm
Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm has decades of experience navigating personal injury claims in Las Vegas’s hospitality-heavy environment. We understand how to hold powerful hotels, casinos, and food vendors accountable when their carelessness harms guests.
Whether your injury occurred in a five-star hotel or a neighborhood coffee shop, you deserve experienced legal support. We’ll investigate the incident, collect evidence, and fight to secure the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
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