Not Crying Over Spilled Coffee: Dunkin Donuts to Pay Over $500,000 in Trip & Fall Personal Injury Lawsuit Settlement

This time it wasn’t a question of whether or not the coffee was hot. The issue at hand for a New Jersey coffee drinker who stopped at a Dunkin Donuts store in Highland Park, was parking lot maintenance.
Maria Marsala tripped over a spike that was sticking out of a curb stop in the store lot in January of 2012. She sued the local franchise and recently settled the case for $522,000. The accident occurred when Marsala was walking out of the Highland Park, NJ, Dunkin Donuts carrying a tray of hot coffee. She burned herself with the coffee but, more egregious, suffered serious back and shoulder injuries that required surgery.
Marsala sued both the Dunkin Donuts and owners of the strip mall where the accident took place. Property owners have a duty to maintain their premises at all times for the safety of visitors. This includes repairing potholes, keeping the ground clear of ice and snow, keeping all areas well-lit and maintaining safety standards, as well.
In announcing the settlement, Marsala’s lawyer said, “Although it is never a replacement for health, Ms. Marsala is hopeful that the settlement will serve to remind business owners that their customer’s safety should always be a priority.”
If you or someone you love has been injured on someone else’s property, you may have both a premises liability lawsuit and a personal injury lawsuit. Contact a knowledgeable lawyer who will fight for maximum damages in your case. Lombardi and Lombardi offers free consultations for all personal injury cases. Call our offices today.