The plaintiffs were on vacation in Wildwood, New Jersey, eating breakfast at a local restaurant, when a waitress placed a hot carafe of coffee on the table, directly in front of the infant. The infant, who was sitting in a high chair, became attracted to the carafe and reached for it, causing it to spill over. The coffee caused severe burns on the infant's legs.

Although the infant suffered minimal scarring, the case settled for $138,500 before suit was filed.