An oil and gas executive is suing Starbucks, alleging he suffered debilitating nerve damage to his genitals after a cup of hot tea spilled onto his lap from a wobbly table in August 2024. Vladimir Podlipskiy, 63, claims the incident occurred at a Starbucks location in San Diego while he was in a meeting.
According to the lawsuit filed in San Diego federal court, a Starbucks employee allegedly asked Podlipskiy to move closer to a table that was unstable while his hot beverage was on it. The tea then spilled, causing what the suit describes as “catastrophic burns and injuries” to his lap, groin area, and genitals.
Podlipskiy's attorneys assert that Starbucks failed to exercise reasonable care by not properly handling and securing the hot tea and by not ensuring the stability of its tables. The complaint further states that the employee's actions of directing Podlipskiy closer to the unstable table, knowing a hot beverage was present, created a foreseeable risk of harm.
The lawsuit details that the spill resulted in severe burns, disfigurement, and ongoing debilitating nerve damage. Podlipskiy is also reportedly experiencing physical pain, emotional distress, and incurring medical expenses.
Starbucks has responded to the suit by denying the allegations. The company has also stated that Podlipskiy may not have taken adequate steps to mitigate his damages. Podlipskiy is seeking unspecified damages, legal fees, and court costs to be determined at trial.