$120,000 Settlement for Defective Product Burn Injury

Attorney Michael Smith case spotlight involving a $120,000 settlement for a defective product burn injury

An everyday product can cause life-changing harm when it does not work as intended. In this case, a young woman suffered significant burns after a defective coffee cup collapsed, spilling hot coffee onto her body.

Michigan Accident Attorneys represented her in a negligence and product liability claim. Through careful investigation, detailed fact-finding, and aggressive negotiation, Attorney Michael Smith secured a $120,000 settlement that provided meaningful financial relief during an important chapter in the client’s life.

A Serious Injury During an Important Chapter

Our client was a woman in her twenties who worked as a professional dancer and took pride in maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. She was also actively preparing for her upcoming wedding when the incident occurred.

After the defective coffee cup spilled scalding coffee onto her, she suffered significant second-degree burns that resulted in:

Severe physical pain and prolonged recovery
Emotional distress and anxiety surrounding her wedding preparations
Lost wages from missed dance engagements and instruction
Permanent physical scarring and disfigurement

The injuries affected far more than her physical health—they created substantial emotional and financial stress during what should have been one of the most exciting times of her life.

Overcoming Disputed Liability in a Michigan Product Liability Claim

One of the primary challenges in this case was disputed liability. Product liability claims under Michigan law (MCL 600.2946) require proving that a product was unreasonably dangerous in its design, manufacturing, or failure to warn at the time it left the manufacturer’s control.

The defense argued that the spill was a user error rather than a manufacturing defect.

To overcome these defenses, Attorney Michael Smith conducted a thorough technical investigation and fact-finding process. By examining the structural integrity of the cup material, establishing the timeline of the accident, and documenting the severe impact on the client’s dance career, Michigan Accident Attorneys built an undeniable case demonstrating the product’s failure and the true scope of the client’s damages.

A $120,000 Settlement Resolution

Through persistent negotiation with the product manufacturer’s insurance carriers, the case was successfully resolved for $120,000.

The outcome provided significant financial relief, fully compensating the client for her medical bills, lost income, physical pain, and permanent scarring. The recovery also allowed her to cover her expenses smoothly as she continued planning for her wedding and moving forward with her career.

For Attorney Michael Smith, the case was deeply rewarding on a personal level:

“It was a referral from a friend, so I was very pleased that we were able to achieve such a great outcome for her,” Smith said.

Why This Case Matters

Defective products can cause severe physical, emotional, and financial disruption. When insurance companies and manufacturers deny responsibility, injured individuals face an uphill battle to prove how the defect occurred and how deeply it impacted their lives.

This case highlights the vital importance of:

Preserving the physical product evidence immediately after an injury
Documenting the full extent of non-economic damages, such as permanent scarring
Executing a tailored legal strategy that holds negligent manufacturers accountable

At Michigan Accident Attorneys, we understand that an injury affects every aspect of a client’s life. Our legal team is committed to listening to your story, investigating what went wrong, and pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact Michigan Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one were injured by a defective product or someone else’s negligence in Michigan, contact our office today to learn how we can advocate for you.