Instant Soup Burn Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

A court in Seoul, Korea, has ordered Asiana Airlines and one of its employees to pay a passenger about 100 million won ($93,569) for severely burning her by accidentally pouring instant noodle soup on her during a flight.
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Instant Soup Burn Lawsuit Overview

The instant soup burn lawsuit involves legal claims against manufacturers and service providers for injuries caused by excessively hot soup that spills from containers, causing severe burns to consumers.

The primary allegations include defective packaging design, inadequate warnings about temperature risks, and failure to provide proper safety features in instant soup containers.

These instant soup burn lawsuits typically involve second-degree or third-degree burns that require medical treatment, hospitalization, and potentially skin grafts.

A notable case involved a Korean fashion model who suffered severe burns during an airline flight, resulting in a court-ordered settlement of 109.6 million won in damages.

These cases highlight the serious nature of burn injuries from hot soup products and the legal responsibility of manufacturers and service providers to ensure consumer safety.

Latest Instant Soup Burn Lawsuit Updates

  • January 2018 – The Seoul Eastern District Court ruled in favor of Chang, a Korean fashion model, and ordered Asiana Airlines and the flight attendant named in the complaint to pay her a total of 109.6 million won in damages for severe burns caused by spilled noodle soup during a flight from Incheon to Paris [1].
  • 2015 – Chang did file her lawsuit in 2015, initially demanding a relatively small sum of about 2 million won (just under $2,000 USD). She claimed that Asiana Airlines failed to provide adequate emergency burn supplies on board—relying on only ice, ointment, and pain pills—and alleged her injuries would require ongoing treatments, including long-term skin graft operations [2].
  • March 17, 2014 – While traveling from Incheon to Paris in a business class seat, a flight attendant accidentally spilled noodle soup on Chang, leading to her suffering second and third-degree burns on her lower body, including her genitals, causing ongoing complications with normal life activities [3].

FDA Reports and Statistics

The FDA monitors product safety for food containers and packaging, including instant soup products. While specific statistics on instant soup burn injuries are not centrally tracked, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) receives reports of burn injuries from hot food and beverage containers annually.

Burn injuries from hot liquids are among the most common household accidents, with thousands of emergency room visits each year.

The temperature of instant soup products can reach 180-200°F, which is hot enough to cause severe burns within seconds of contact.

The FDA requires food manufacturers to provide adequate warnings about temperature risks and proper usage instructions to prevent consumer injuries.

Instant Soup Burn Injuries & Side Effects

Instant soup burn injuries can range from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns that require extensive medical treatment and can cause permanent scarring and disability.

  • Second-Degree Burns: Blistering, swelling, and severe pain that may require medical treatment and can cause permanent scarring.
  • Third-Degree Burns: Deep tissue damage that destroys skin layers, often requiring skin grafts and extensive medical treatment.
  • Permanent Scarring: Disfigurement that may require multiple reconstructive surgeries and can cause lifelong physical and emotional trauma.
  • Functional Impairment: Burns to sensitive areas that can affect normal bodily functions and quality of life.

Do You Qualify for an Instant Soup Burn Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an instant soup burn lawsuit if:

  • You were burned by hot instant soup within the past 2-3 years (depending on your state’s statute of limitations).
  • You experienced serious side effects including second-degree burns, third-degree burns, permanent scarring, or functional impairment.
  • The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
  • You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to defective packaging design or inadequate safety measures.

Evidence Required for an Instant Soup Burn Lawsuit

To pursue a successful instant soup burn lawsuit, you will need to gather comprehensive documentation and evidence:

  • Medical Documentation: Complete medical records showing the extent of your burns, treatment received, and ongoing medical care requirements.
  • Product Evidence: The actual soup container, packaging, photographs of the product, and any warning labels or instructions.
  • Injury Documentation: Photographs of your injuries immediately after the incident and during the healing process.
  • Expert Testimony: Medical experts to testify about the severity of injuries and product safety experts to analyze packaging design flaws.
  • Witness Statements: Testimony from anyone who witnessed the incident or can verify the circumstances of the burn.

Damages You Can Recover

Successful instant soup burn lawsuits may result in compensation for:

  • Medical Expenses: Past and future medical costs including emergency treatment, surgery, skin grafts, and ongoing care.
  • Lost Wages: Income lost due to inability to work during recovery and treatment.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
  • Punitive Damages: Additional compensation intended to punish manufacturers for negligent product design.

Instant Soup Recall Information

While there have been no major recalls specifically for instant soup burn hazards, various food manufacturers have issued recalls for packaging defects and safety concerns.

The FDA and CPSC monitor consumer complaints about hot food container injuries and may issue safety warnings or require design changes when patterns of injuries emerge.

Consumers should check the FDA and CPSC websites for current recall information and safety alerts related to instant soup products and food packaging.

Statute of Limitations for Instant Soup Burn Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing an instant soup burn lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 2 to 3 years from the date of injury.

Some states may have different limitation periods for product liability versus personal injury claims. Because evidence can deteriorate over time and medical records may become harder to obtain, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after sustaining burn injuries to ensure your rights are protected and to avoid missing critical filing deadlines.

Related soup burn lawsuits:

FAQs

1. What types of injuries are involved in the Instant Soup Burn lawsuits?

Injuries in Instant Soup Burn lawsuits typically include second-degree or third-degree burns caused by hot liquid spilling from instant soup containers. These burns may occur on the hands, face, chest, or other areas and may require medical treatment such as hospitalization and skin grafts.

2. Can I file a lawsuit if I was burned by hot instant soup?

Yes, if you were burned by hot instant soup due to what you believe is a design flaw in the packaging, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. A lawyer experienced in product liability and personal injury cases can help you explore your legal options and seek compensation.

3. What compensation might be available in an Instant Soup Burn lawsuit?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in cases of severe injury, compensation for long-term care or permanent scarring. The amount will depend on the injury’s severity and your case details.

4. How can I prove that the design of the instant soup packaging caused my burn injury?

To prove that the design of the packaging caused your injury, you’ll need evidence such as the product packaging, injury photographs, medical records, and possibly expert testimony on packaging safety. A lawyer can assist in gathering and presenting the necessary evidence.

5. How long do I have to file an instant soup burn lawsuit?

The statute of limitations typically ranges from 2 to 3 years from the date of injury, depending on your state. It’s important to consult with an attorney immediately after the incident.

6. What temperature makes instant soup dangerous?

Instant soup products can reach temperatures between 180-200°F, hot enough to cause severe burns within seconds of contact with the skin.

7. Do I need to pay attorney fees upfront for an instant soup burn lawsuit?

Most product liability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay upfront, and attorney fees are only collected if your case is successful.

8. Can I sue if the soup spill was accidental?

Yes, even if the spill was accidental, you may still have a valid lawsuit if the packaging design was defective or lacked adequate safety warnings.

9. What if I contributed to the accident that caused my burn?

If you partially contributed to the accident, you may still be eligible for compensation under comparative negligence laws, though your compensation may be reduced.

10. How long does an instant soup burn lawsuit typically take?

Cases can take from 18 months to several years, depending on the complexity of your case, the manufacturer involved, and whether the case goes to trial or settles.

See all lawsuits that our defective product attorneys had taken on.

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Have you or a loved one been unreasonably injured by a dangerous or defective consumer product?

Get a Free Instant Soup Burn Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for instant soup burn injuries. With statute of limitations periods varying by state – typically only 2 to 3 years from the date of injury – it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights.

Schmidt & Clark offers:

  • Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
  • No upfront costs or fees – you pay nothing unless we win
  • Payment only if we win your case through our contingency fee structure
  • Experienced legal representation in product liability and burn injury cases

Don’t wait – contact Schmidt & Clark today to discuss your potential instant soup burn lawsuit and learn about your legal options. Our experienced team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you suffered burns from an instant soup cup, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.

References

  1. https://www.foxnews.com/travel/flight-attendant-airline-must-pay-model-101000-for-burns-from-soup-spill
  2. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/amp/southkorea/20150726/asiana-airlines-sued-over-burns
  3. https://thejetset.com/travel-news/flight-attendant-ordered-to-pay-pax-100000-for-ramen-noodle-burns/

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