Restaurant To Pay N77bn to Customer Who Got Injured After Hot Tea Spilled on Him

A restaurant has been ordered to pay ₦77 billion in damages to a customer who suffered severe injuries after being burned by hot tea. The case, which was decided in court, highlights the legal consequences businesses may face if they fail to ensure customer safety.

The incident occurred when the customer, whose identity has not been disclosed, visited the restaurant and ordered tea. According to reports, the tea was served at an extremely high temperature, and while handling it, the customer accidentally spilled it on himself. The burns were serious enough to require medical attention, and the customer later decided to take legal action against the establishment.

In court, the plaintiff argued that the restaurant was negligent in serving tea at a dangerously high temperature without proper warnings. The legal team representing the customer provided medical records and expert testimonies to demonstrate the extent of the injuries and the pain and suffering endured. The burns allegedly caused long-term damage, including physical pain and emotional distress.

The restaurant, on the other hand, defended itself by stating that hot beverages are expected to be served at high temperatures. It claimed that the customer was responsible for handling the tea safely. However, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, determining that the restaurant failed to take adequate precautions to prevent harm.

As a result, the court ordered the restaurant to pay ₦77 billion in compensation. This sum is intended to cover medical expenses, lost income, and damages for pain and suffering. The ruling has sparked discussions about consumer protection, business liability, and the responsibilities of food service establishments.

The case has drawn comparisons to similar lawsuits in other countries, most notably the infamous McDonald’s hot coffee case in the United States. In that case, a woman sued McDonald’s after suffering third-degree burns from coffee that was served at a dangerously high temperature. The lawsuit led to widespread debates about corporate responsibility and consumer rights.

Legal experts have weighed in on this latest case, stating that businesses must balance customer service with safety precautions. Some have suggested that restaurants implement clearer warnings about the temperature of hot drinks or introduce safety measures such as insulated cups or temperature limits.

The restaurant has not yet announced whether it will appeal the decision. If it does, the case could continue in the legal system for some time before a final resolution is reached. Meanwhile, the ruling serves as a warning to other businesses to be mindful of how they serve hot beverages and to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.