The restaurant industry frequently faces lawsuits related to food safety, but one recent case has captured significant attention. Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, a popular Texas-based barbecue chain, was ordered to pay nearly $2.8 million in damages after a jury found the company liable for a severe burn incident involving its hot barbecue sauce. The case has sparked discussions about food safety, corporate responsibility, and legal accountability for restaurant chains.
Background of the Lawsuit
In May 2023, a San Antonio woman, Genesis Monita, suffered second-degree burns on her thigh after spilling a cup of Bill Miller’s barbecue sauce. She filed a lawsuit against the company, seeking more than $1 million in damages. The central claims in the lawsuit included:
- The sauce was dangerously hot, allegedly 25 degrees hotter than the required temperature.
- The sauce was served in a thin plastic cup instead of a styrofoam container, which could have provided better insulation.
- The restaurant failed to take corrective action despite a previous burn incident in 2021.
These factors contributed to the severity of Monita’s injuries, leading to permanent scarring and emotional distress.
The Jury’s Verdict
The case moved swiftly through the legal system, and within two hours of deliberation, the jury found Bill Miller Bar-B-Q 100% liable for the incident. The restaurant was ordered to pay:
- $1.9 million for pain and suffering
- Additional damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress
- A total of $2.8 million in compensation
This substantial payout underscores the importance of food safety and proper handling of hot liquids in the restaurant industry.
Lack of Apology and Accountability
One of the most controversial aspects of the lawsuit was Bill Miller’s refusal to take responsibility for the accident. According to Monita and her legal team, the company did not apologize or acknowledge its fault until after the court verdict. Even then, the apology was not directed at Monita personally but was a general statement made in the courtroom.
Prior Incidents and Negligence Claims
A key argument from Monita’s attorneys was that Bill Miller Bar-B-Q had been aware of the risks but did nothing to prevent them. They cited a 2021 case where another customer was burned by hot barbecue sauce from the same location. Despite this prior incident, the company allegedly failed to:
- Adjust the sauce temperature to a safer level
- Change the serving containers to prevent spills
- Implement staff training or safety precautions
This pattern of negligence played a crucial role in convincing the jury that Bill Miller Bar-B-Q was responsible for Monita’s injuries.
Legal Implications for the Restaurant Industry
The outcome of this lawsuit serves as a warning to restaurants and food service providers about the legal consequences of failing to uphold food safety standards. To avoid similar lawsuits, restaurants should:
- Monitor food and beverage temperatures to ensure they are safe for consumption.
- Use proper packaging and containers for hot liquids to reduce spill risks.
- Train employees on food safety procedures, including safe handling and serving techniques.
- Respond proactively to prior incidents by implementing changes to prevent future accidents.
- Take customer complaints seriously and address concerns before they escalate into legal disputes.
Bill Miller’s Response
While Bill Miller Bar-B-Q has not issued a detailed public statement, the company’s legal team initially claimed they had offered to:
- Reimburse Monita for her medical expenses and lost wages
- Cover the cost of cleaning her car (which was also affected by the spill)
However, these offers were deemed insufficient given the extent of Monita’s injuries and the long-term impact of the burns.
The BBQ sauce burn lawsuit against Bill Miller Bar-B-Q highlights the importance of corporate accountability, food safety regulations, and customer protection. With a $2.8 million verdict in favor of Genesis Monita, the case sets a precedent for holding food establishments responsible for serving dangerously hot food and beverages.
For consumers, this case serves as a reminder to be cautious when handling hot food items, while for businesses, it underscores the importance of prioritizing customer safety over cost-cutting measures.
A San Antonio woman sued Bill Miller Bar-B-Q after suffering second-degree burns from dangerously hot sauce, leading to a $2.8M verdict.
The jury found the restaurant 100% liable for serving sauce 25°F hotter than required in an unsafe container, causing severe burns.
Restaurants must control food temperatures, use safe packaging, and train staff to prevent burn-related lawsuits.
