A San Antonio woman has been awarded a $2.9 million settlement after suffering second-degree burns from hot barbecue sauce she received at a Bill Miller Bar-B-Q restaurant.
The incident occurred when Genesis Monita,, who had parked her car after picking up food from the drive-through, spilled the sauce on her lap. The sauce, which was reportedly heated to 189 degrees Fahrenheit, caused severe burns.
Monita filed a lawsuit against Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, presenting evidence of the severity of her injuries.
The jury found the restaurant entirely responsible for the incident, concluding that its negligence contributed to the dangerous condition of the sauce.
The $2.9 million settlement will cover Monita’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the burns.
Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, a Texas-based chain founded in 1953, operates more than 75 locations across the state.
Known for its barbecued meats and fried chicken, the company faces increased scrutiny following the incident, particularly regarding food safety practices.
Monita’s legal team argued that the high temperature of the sauce, intended for immediate consumption, posed a safety risk and that customers were not warned of the potential danger.
Bill Miller Bar-B-Q has not issued a public comment on the jury’s verdict or any potential changes to its safety procedures.