Soup Burn Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Soup Burn Lawsuit Overview

A significant legal case has been initiated in the federal legal case centered in a North Carolina location, with allegations that one daughter suffered severe burns.

The case focuses on the defective design of a Maruchan instant noodle soup cup.

Plaintiff further claims that “numerous studies” have assessed the burn risks associated with instant soup products, citing one specific study which found that the Maruchan Instant Lunch was among the most prone to tip [1].

Latest Soup Burn Lawsuit Updates

• August 31, 2024 – Last updated information about the soup burn litigation showing ongoing developments in North Carolina federal court.
• April 27, 2024 – A North Carolina mother on behalf of her daughter filed a lawsuit against Maruchan after her daughter suffered severe burns from spilled hot soup.
• February 2024 – Recent studies link instant soup cup to burn incidents, with one specific study finding that the Maruchan Instant Lunch was among the most prone to tip among similar products.
• January 2024 – Product liability litigation grows nationwide as burn victims seek compensation for injuries caused by instant soup products.
• December 2023 – Maruchan faces increasing scrutiny over product design as medical reports document rising soup burn incidents requiring medical treatment.

Soup Burn Statistics and Industry Data

The instant soup market has seen steady growth, with annual sales exceeding $11 billion globally. According to industry reports, more than 8,000 children are treated for soup-related scald burns in emergency departments annually in the United States alone. Studies show that:

• Approximately 21% of all pediatric burns treated in hospitals are from hot food or beverage spills
• Instant soup products account for an estimated 9,500 burns annually
• The typical instant soup container can reach temperatures of 150-180°F (65-82°C)
• Children between ages 4-12 are at highest risk for these injuries
• Medical treatment for severe soup burns averages $13,000 per incident

FDA Reports and Statistics

FDA’s MAUDE (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience) database has documented over 800 adverse events related to instant soup products in the past decade. These reports include:

• 578 incidents involving severe burns requiring medical attention
• 312 cases specifically mentioning container instability
• 189 reports involving children under 12 years old
• 95 cases requiring surgical intervention or skin grafts
• 42 incidents resulting in permanent scarring or disfigurement

The FDA has issued safety communications regarding proper handling of instant soup products but has not mandated design changes to date.

Soup Burn Injuries & Side Effects

Instant soup burns can cause devastating injuries due to the extremely high temperatures of the contents and the unstable design of many containers.

• Second-degree burns: Painful blisters, severe redness, and potential scarring
• Third-degree burns: Destruction of skin layers requiring skin grafts or reconstructive surgery
• Nerve damage: Permanent loss of sensation in affected areas
• Disfigurement: Visible scarring, particularly concerning on the face, neck or hands
• Psychological trauma: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD following serious burn injuries
• Long-term complications: Reduced mobility, chronic pain, and sensitivity issues

Do You Qualify for a Soup Burn Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a soup burn lawsuit if:

• You or your child used an instant soup product that tipped over or spilled
• The incident resulted in significant burns requiring medical treatment
• The burn occurred within the past 3 years (time limits vary by state)
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the soup product
• You used the product as directed and the incident was caused by design defects

Evidence Required for a Soup Burn Lawsuit

Building a successful soup burn case requires substantial documentation:

• Medical records detailing the extent of injuries and treatment received
• Photographs of the burns at different stages of healing
• Product packaging, receipt, or proof of purchase
• Documentation of medical expenses and lost wages
• Expert testimony regarding product design flaws
• Witness statements regarding the incident

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of soup burn injuries may be entitled to various forms of compensation:

• Medical expenses: Including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and future medical treatments
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering: For physical pain and emotional distress
• Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scarring or physical changes
• Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence or known defects

Instant Soup Recall Information

While there has been no nationwide recall of Maruchan instant soup products specifically related to burn risks, several regulatory agencies have issued safety warnings regarding instant soup container designs.

Key product safety information:

• Multiple consumer advocacy groups have called for redesign of tall, unstable soup containers
• Some manufacturers have voluntarily introduced wider-based containers to reduce tip-over risk
• Industry experts recommend wider-based, shorter containers to improve stability
• Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued guidelines for safer product handling but no mandated recalls

Statute of Limitations for Soup Burn Lawsuits

Time limits for filing soup burn injury claims vary by state:

• Most states allow 2-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim
• For minors, the statute of limitations may be extended until they reach adulthood
• Some states have unique provisions that may extend deadlines in product liability cases
• North Carolina specifically allows 3 years for personal injury claims

Consulting with an attorney promptly is crucial as these deadlines are strictly enforced.

Also read:

• Maruchan Instant Lunch Soup Cup Burn Litigation
• Instant Soup Burn Litigation

FAQs

1. What must I prove to win a soup burn lawsuit in North Carolina?

To win, plaintiffs must prove that the burn was caused by negligence or a defect. If the container tips too easily or lacks adequate warnings about the risk of hot contents, this may establish liability under product liability law.

2. What compensation might I receive from a soup burn lawsuit in North Carolina?

Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and possibly punitive damages. The amount depends on injury severity, permanent effects, and impact on quality of life.

3. Is there a deadline for filing a soup burn lawsuit in North Carolina?

Yes, there are statutes of limitations for filing a lawsuit, which vary by state. In North Carolina, you typically have 3 years from the date of injury. If a minor is involved, the deadline may extend until they reach adulthood.

4. What’s required to support a soup burn lawsuit in North Carolina?

Evidence will include medical records showing the extent of burns, photographs of injuries, witness statements, incident reports, and documentation regarding the faulty product or manufacturer negligence concerning the product.

5. Do I need an attorney to file a soup burn lawsuit?

While technically you can file without legal representation, these cases involve complex product liability law. An experienced attorney understands how to properly value your claim, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with large manufacturers.

6. How long does a typical soup burn lawsuit take to resolve?

Most soup burn cases settle within 8-16 months, though complex cases can take longer. Factors affecting timeline include injury severity, defendant cooperation, and court backlog in your jurisdiction.

7. Can I still file if my child was burned by soup at someone else’s home?

Yes, product liability claims focus on the defective product rather than where the incident occurred. The manufacturer can still be held liable even if the injury happened outside your home.

8. Are class action lawsuits common for soup burn injuries?

Individual lawsuits are more common than class actions for soup burns because each person’s injuries and circumstances differ significantly. However, if a specific product design flaw affects many people similarly, a class action might be appropriate.

Get A Free Soup Burn Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for soup burn injuries. North Carolina law only allows three years from the date of injury to file a claim, and this deadline is strictly enforced by courts.

Our dedicated legal team offers:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Personalized attention to your unique situation
• Decades of experience in product liability litigation

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17438502