Texas Teen Awarded $2.8M After Severe Burn From Overheated BBQ Sauce

A jury found Bill Miller Bar-B-Q grossly negligent after a 19-year-old suffered second-degree burns from sauce served at unsafe temperatures.

Genesis Monita, 19, was awarded $2.8 million after suffering second-degree burns from BBQ sauce served at 189°F, exceeding the restaurant's 165°F policy.
The incident occurred in May 2023 when Monita spilled the scalding sauce on her leg while eating in her car after purchasing breakfast tacos from Bill Miller Bar-B-Q in San Antonio.
The jury allocated $25,000 for medical expenses, $900,000 for mental anguish and physical pain, and $1.9 million in punitive damages due to the restaurant's gross negligence.
Monita declined initial offers from the restaurant to cover her medical bills, lost wages, and car cleaning, instead pursuing legal action for what she deemed fair compensation.
The case highlights concerns about food safety practices, with Monita and her lawyers hoping the verdict prompts restaurants to prioritize customer safety.