A woman is suing Starbucks claiming its employees caused her dog’s death and gave her horrific injuries by handing her hot tea in a cup with a loose lid.
Deanna Salas-Solano, 58, says she had to undergo surgery after being burned when tea spilled on to her torso and thighs at a drive-thru Starbucks in Denver, Colorado, in September 2015.
The woman’s dog Alexander was in the car at the time and jumped on her lap when she screamed in pain, causing her to spill more of the drink.
It burned his fur and he later died in a veterinary hospital because of it, her lawsuit claims.
Salas-Solano is demanding at least $75,000 from the coffee giant, claiming it did not ensure safe premises for customers.
Deanna Salas-Solano, 58, is suing Starbucks, claiming it caused her horrific injuries and the death of her dog during an incident in September 2015
She claims that she was handed her Venti tea in a cup without a hot sleeve and that its lid was not fastened properly.
When she took it from the drive-thru employee on September 27, 2015, Salas Solano said it immediately burned her hands.
‘The hot temperature of the cup began to burn her hands. Hot tea began to spill out of the cup through the unsecured lid and onto [her] body.
‘She immediately experienced intense pain including on her stomach, legs and lap.
‘At or about this time, she began screaming for help and writhing and moaning in pain.
‘Her dog, named Alexander, jumped on to her lap. Tea spilled on to Alexander, causing the dog to yelp in pain.
‘Alexander was taken to an emergency veterinarian hospital. [He] ultimately succumbed to the injuries caused by the tea, dying a short time later,’ the lawsuit, which was filed in Denver on Monday, reads.
These are the injuries she says she was left with after Starbucks staff passed her a Venti tea without a properly fastened lid, causing it to spill on her leg and torso
Ms. Salas-Solano had to undergo skin grafts to treat the second degree burns she suffered
The woman’s dog Alexander was burned when it jumped on to her, causing her to spill more of the drink. He died in hospital after suffering these burns
Another photograph shows Alexander’s injuries. The dog died shortly afterwards in a veterinarian emergency room
The incident happened at the drive-thru Starbucks in Denver, Colorad, on September 27, 2015. Starbucks says surveillance footage proves its staff did no wrong but they have not released it
It includes graphic photographs of both the woman’s injuries and the dog’s.
The woman suffered second-degree burns and had to have skin grafts afterwards.
Ms. Salas-Solano has asked for is asking for at least $75,000
Shocking photographs show blistered skin on her thighs, torso and on the back of her legs.
Her attorneys claim the drink was too hot, that it was not served properly and that this particular Starbucks had been warned in the past for serving up scalding drinks without sleeves or lids.
The company denies their accusations and says surveillance footage of the incident will prove her wrong.
‘We have video evidence that clearly contradicts the claims made by the plaintiff and believe they are without merit.
‘We look forward to presenting our case in court,’ it said in a statement.
Salas-Solano’s attorneys would not comment on the case further when contacted by DailyMail.com.
They have not revealed what injuries the dog suffered which may have caused its death.