Starbucks Injury Claims

Starbucks is one of the most beloved coffee shops in the UK, with over a thousand stores in various towns and cities nationwide. It offers a wide range of coffee drinks, teas and snacks, such as espresso, cappuccino, pastries and seasonal specialities that everyone can enjoy.

While most people enjoy a Starbucks without any issues, accidents can sometimes happen, especially if health and safety measures are overlooked. These include slips, trips and falls, allergic reactions, burn injuries and food poisoning.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury during a visit to Starbucks, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your pain and suffering. If you have a valid case, an experienced solicitor will offer you a no win no fee agreement. We will aim to secure the maximum amount of compensation you can claim for your injuries and financial losses.

To find out if you can make a Starbucks injury claim, don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a legal adviser or use our online contact form to request a call back.

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Duty of care of Starbucks towards customers
• Am I eligible to make a Starbucks injury claim?
• Can I make a compensation claim as a Starbucks employee?
• How to make a claim for Starbuck's negligence
• What evidence do I need to make a claim for compensation?
• Common types of accidents at Starbucks
• What injuries could lead to a Starbucks accident claim?
• Time limits to start a personal injury claim
• How much compensation could my Starbucks injury claim be worth?
• Will my personal injury lawyer offer a No Win No Fee service?

Duty of care of Starbucks towards customers

Like all other businesses in the UK, Starbucks has a duty of care towards its customers under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957. This means the owner or occupier of premises must ensure the safety and well-being of all customers and visitors by taking the following measures:

• Carry out regular checks to identify hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces or broken furniture;
• Maintain good housekeeping and a safe environment by addressing any hazards promptly;
• If a hazard cannot be addressed straight away, display clear warning signs to inform visitors;
• Make sure that any equipment and facilities used by customers, such as chairs and restrooms, are safe and in good condition;
• Provide adequate training to staff regarding health and safety practices and how to assist customers;
• Clearly communicate potential allergens in foods and drinks;
• Make sure that the food and beverages are prepared under strict hygiene standards to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Failure to uphold this duty of care means that Starbucks could be liable for compensation if you suffer an accident on its premises.

Am I eligible to make a Starbucks injury claim?

With thousands of customers daily, Starbucks coffee shops are busy places where accidents can happen. However, not every incident can be attributed to negligence. If you had an accident in a Starbucks, you could be entitled to compensation if the following are true:

• Starbucks owed you a legal duty of care.
• They breached this duty by acting negligently and causing the accident.
• You suffered an injury or illness within the last three years.

Your solicitor will prove a duty of care based on the legislation mentioned above or other relevant laws, such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Once this is established, they will help you gather all the evidence you need to support your case and will contact Starbucks to inform them of your intentions to make a personal injury compensation claim.

It is essential to acknowledge that a party other than Starbucks could be liable for your injuries, such as a product manufacturer or distributor. Your solicitor will be able to identify the responsible party and work hard to hold them accountable for their negligence.

Can I make a compensation claim as a Starbucks employee?

If you work at a Starbucks coffee shop or a Starbucks drive-through, your employer must keep you reasonably safe from injuries while at work. Employers have various duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, such as:

• Carry our regular risk assessments to identify hazards that could lead to accidents;
• Take all reasonable measures to eliminate or reduce these risks and maintain a safe working environment;
• Ensure that all equipment is adequately maintained and safe for use;
• Provide adequate training on safe work practices, manual handling, and how to operate machinery;
• If necessary, provide free and suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks or aprons;
• Promptly address any hazards or near misses reported by employees.

If your employer failed to protect you and you suffered an injury, you may be able to make a Starbucks employee injury claim. Seeking compensation for an accident at work is your legal right, and your employer cannot sack or discipline you for doing so. If this happens, a specialist lawyer can help you make a further claim under unfair dismissal laws at an employment tribunal.

How to make a claim for Starbuck’s negligence

The process for claiming Starbucks compensation follows a legal framework similar to all personal injury claims. The steps involved in making a successful claim include the following:

• Medical care. Seek medical attention immediately after your accident to diagnose and treat your injuries. Your medical records will serve as essential evidence in your claim.
• Legal advice. Consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as your injuries allow you or have a loved one do so on your behalf. They will assess the merits of your case, explain your legal options and help you claim on a no win no fee basis if you are entitled to compensation.
• Investigation. Your lawyer will start an investigation to gather the evidence necessary to support your claim, which is detailed in the section below. The more evidence you can collate, the higher your chances of obtaining the compensation you may be entitled to.
• Assessing liability. Your injury lawyer will identify the party responsible for any injuries incurred as a result of your accident (in this case, Starbucks) and send them a claim notification form (CNF). They will have four months to carry out their separate investigations and respond to your CNF.
• Negotiations. If Starbucks admits liability, you can begin to negotiate your compensation award with their insurance company. Your solicitor will advocate for your rights and try to secure the best settlement on your behalf.
• Court proceedings. If the defendant denies liability, your lawyer will be ready to take your case to court. They will argue your claim before a judge who will decide on liability and the compensation you deserve.

What evidence do I need to make a claim for compensation?

If you want to start a Starbucks accident claim, you will need various types of evidence to prove that Starbucks is liable for it and how it has affected your life. This could include the following types of evidence:

• Photographs or videos of the accident scene, focusing on the hazard that caused your injury, such as a wet floor or uneven surface;
• Pictures of any visible injuries and any damage to your clothes or other items and of your recovery process;
• CCTV footage can provide undeniable proof of what happened if the incident was captured on security cameras;
• A copy of an accident report filed with the Starbucks management or the person in charge of health and safety;
• Statements from anyone who witnessed the accident can help support your version of the events and strengthen your claim if the defendant denies liability;
• Medical records that document your injuries, diagnosis, treatment and recovery prospects;
• Copies of any emails, letters, or correspondence with Starbucks regarding the accident;
• You also need proof of any costs incurred due to the injury, such as receipts, invoices, and payslips.

Common types of accidents at Starbucks

If the owner or occupier of a Starbucks coffee shop fails to maintain a safe environment for customers or employees, various accidents could happen, such as:

• Slips, trips, and falls. Wet floors, spilt drinks, or cluttered walkways can lead to a slip, trip or fall, which can result in injuries such as sprains or fractures.
• Furniture-related accidents. Unstable or broken chairs, tables, or counters could lead to falls, cuts, lacerations and other incidents.
• Being struck by falling objects. Items falling from high shelves or displays can strike employees or customers, leading to head injuries or bruises.
• Food or drink incidents. Employees handling hot drinks or food may suffer burns, while customers could get injured from improperly prepared or labelled food.
• Manual handling accidents. Lifting heavy objects or equipment can result in back strains or muscle injuries for employees.
• Door accidents. You could get injured by doors closing too quickly or malfunctioning automatic doors, which could cause crush injuries.
• Electrical incidents. Faulty equipment or improper use of electrical appliances could lead to shocks or burns.
• Falls from height. Employees who use ladders to reach high shelves or customers who use steps could suffer severe injuries if they have a fall accident at Starbucks.

What injuries could lead to a Starbucks accident claim?

The accidents mentioned above can lead to a wide range of illnesses and injuries that range from minor to life-changing. These include but are not limited to:

• Cuts and lacerations can result from hazards such as broken glass, sharp edges on furniture, falls, or being hit by an object. They could need stitches and, if not properly treated, lead to infections.
• Sprains and strains can be due to manual handling, slipping on wet floors or tripping over obstacles left in walkways. They can cause pain, inflammation and limited mobility.
• Head injuries are often caused by falls or being hit by an object. They range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma and can cause headaches, dizziness and cognitive issues.
• Back injuries are often a result of manual handling and lifting heavy objects but can also be due to falls and other incidents. These range from muscle strains to more severe spinal injuries, which can have permanent consequences.
• Allergic reactions can be triggered by cross-contamination or inadequate labelling of food or drinks. Symptoms may include swelling, hives and breathing difficulties, which may require emergency care.
• Burn injuries can result from hot coffee and cooking equipment but also from electrical hazards such as faulty outlets. Severe burns can result in scarring and even loss of function in the affected area.
• Food poisoning is caused by consuming improperly cooked or stored food that has been contaminated with germs. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Broken bones can be due to falls or being struck by heavy objects. These can affect any body part, causing pain, weakness and limited mobility. Severe fractures may require surgery and rehabilitation to regain strength and flexibility.

Time limits to start a personal injury claim

If you’ve suffered a Starbucks accident, you typically have three years to claim compensation for your injuries. The claim limitation date begins on the date of your accident or the date you became aware of your injury or illness and that it was due to negligence on the part of Starbucks.

Once the three-year time limit expires, your case will be statute-barred under the Limitation Act and no longer valid. A few exceptions apply to this rule:

• If you were under 18 at the time of injury, the limitation date does not begin until you legally become an adult. Before this point, a parent or legal guardian can make a child injury claim on your behalf at any time.
• If the claimant cannot handle legal proceedings due to a brain injury or another pre-existing condition such as schizophrenia, the time limit is suspended, and a litigation friend could claim for them at any time.
• If you were the victim of a violent crime at Starbucks, such as an assault, you have two years to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
• If you were injured at a Starbucks location abroad, you may still be eligible to claim, but the time limit could differ from country to country and be shorter than three years.

How much compensation could my Starbucks injury claim be worth?

How much compensation you could receive if you make a successful Starbucks accident claim will depend on several factors. These include the circumstances of the incident, the resulting injuries and their impact on your daily life.

Your solicitor will work hard to secure the maximum compensation amount on your behalf, which will consist of two types of damages:

• General damages are awarded for the physical injury or illness you suffered and its subjective outcomes, such as physical pain, mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement.
• Special damages are awarded for financial losses resulting from the injury, which could include loss of earnings, prescription costs, medical aids and private treatments.

While special damages are based on documents such as payslips, receipts and invoices, general damages are based on the guidelines from the Judicial College. You can visit our compensation calculator to see how much you might be entitled to claim based on the type and severity of your injuries.

Will my personal injury lawyer offer a No Win No Fee service?

If you have a valid claim for compensation, you will be offered a 100% no win no fee agreement by one of the solicitors we work with. They will not ask you for any upfront fees and will take on the risk of litigation. This way, there is no financial risk to you, and you do not have to pay them a single penny if your case is unsuccessful.

Your solicitor will only get a success fee if and after you receive compensation for your accident at Starbucks. This fee is deducted from your compensation award and cannot be more than 25% of your damages.

With no win no fee, After the Event (ATE) insurance is also available to protect you against other costs and disbursements incurred during litigation. If you lose a claim, the ATE policy will cover all your expenses, including the defendant’s, so you will not be left out of pocket. You only pay the ATE premium if you win compensation.

To find out if you can claim Starbucks injury compensation, please call us today on 0800 470 0474 to get in touch with a friendly legal adviser. Alternatively, enter your details here to request a call back.

Last edited on 7th Aug 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.