Police Officer Suing Starbucks Over Hot Coffee ‘Didn’t Know it Was That Hot’
RALEIGH, N.C., May 8 (UPI) — A North Carolina police officer who is suing Starbucks over burns sustained from a free cup of coffee said Wednesday that he didn’t think the coffee was “that hot.”
Matthew Kohr and his wife are suing the chain for $750,000 to cover legal and medical expenses on top of emotional distress. Third degree burns apparently caused Kohr’s preexisting Crohn’s disease to flare up, forcing him to have intestinal surgery as well as hinder intimacy with his wife. He also claims that the injury affected his work, impacting the supervisor’s job performance with “edginess” and “nervousness,” he said.
The initial burn occurred in 2012 after a complimentary cup allegedly folded over on itself, pouring its scorching contents all over the officer’s lap and groin area.
Kohr reportedly returned his police cruiser, picked up his truck, drove home and took photos of the injuries before seeking medical attention — a point Starbucks is using in its defense.
Kohr claimed he knew he would have to document his injury for his employers. “Lawsuit never crossed my mind that day,” he said at a cross examination hearing. “Did it later? Yes.”
