Minor burned by spilled coffee in motor vehicle accident — $350,000 settlement

Type of action: Personal injury

Injuries alleged: First and second-degree burns on groin/upper leg areas caused by spilled coffee; minor head injury

Court: Prince William County Circuit Court

Date resolved: 6/10/2022

Special damages: $65,573.60 in medical bills

Demand: $350,000

Offer: $350,000

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $350,000

Attorney for plaintiff (and city): Boris Kuperman, Fairfax

Description of case: Arises from Dec. 6, 2018, motor-vehicle collision. Minor plaintiff was a back-seat passenger in vehicle operated by mother. Plaintiff’s vehicle was crossing Yorkshire Lane at the intersection of Yorkshire Lane and Bull Run Road, in Prince William County. After stopping at stop sign, plaintiff’s vehicle entered into intersection where it was struck on the right side by defendant in substantial broadside collision.

The testimony of witnesses to the collision indicated that defendant was driving his vehicle over the speed limit at the time of the collision. Accident reconstruction and crash data indicated that defendant was driving 5-10 mph over speed limit at time of impact. Defendant admitted to driving 5 mph over the speed limit at time of impact.

As a result of the collision, hot coffee spilled on plaintiff’s groin/upper leg areas, causing first and second degree burns. Plaintiff was transported by emergency helicopter to the D.C. Children’s Hospital Burn Center. Plaintiff sustained permanent scarring because of the burns, and ultimately incurred $65,573.60 in medical bills.

Plaintiff filed insurance claims against defendant (GEICO) and mother (Allstate). Claim against mother’s insurance company settled for $50,000 limits. Allstate petitioned for court approval of settlement on June 25, 2020; final court approval entered on Oct.23, 2020. A lawsuit against defendant was filed on Nov. 6, 2020. Lawsuit was settled for $300,000 limits. A final court approval of the second settlement was entered on June 10, 2022.

Boris Kuperman, plaintiff’s counsel, provided case information. [022-T-126]