Legal Ruling and Financial Repercussions
A Bexar County jury found Bill Miller Bar-B-Q guilty of "gross negligence" after Genesis Monita, 19, suffered second-degree burns from "dangerously hot" barbecue sauce, awarding her $2.8 million in damages.
The damages included $900,000 for Monita's mental anguish and physical pain, over $25,000 for medical expenses, and a significant $1.9 million in punitive damages.
Incident Details and Company Response
The incident occurred in May 2023 when Monita, after ordering breakfast tacos, spilled the sauce on her thigh due to its high temperature of 189 degrees, violating the company's own policy of a minimum temperature of 165 degrees.
Bill Miller Bar-B-Q has not publicly stated whether it will appeal the jury's decision. Meanwhile, the company's attorney acknowledged the jury's message and implied the company would improve its practices.