Texas Woman Wins $2.8 Million Over Scorching Hot Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue is a way of life in Texas, but for one unlucky woman, it turned into a life-altering experience—and a massive lawsuit payday.

In 2023, a woman stopped at Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, a popular chain with 80 locations across San Antonio, Austin, and Corpus Christi, to grab breakfast. She ordered four breakfast tacos (a solid choice) and a side of barbecue sauce. Because, well, it's Texas and barbeque sauce goes on EVERYTHING..

After picking up her meal in a paper bag, she parked in the parking lot to dig in. That’s when things went south. The barbecue sauce container was so hot it slipped out of her hands, spilling onto her right thigh. The sauce wasn’t just hot—it was 189 degrees, FAR above the safety guideline of 135 degrees. For reference, water boils at 212 degrees. The spill caused second-degree burns.

Her injuries were no joke. The lawsuit claimed she suffered physical and mental pain, disfigurement, lost wages, and hefty medical bills. The jury ruled that Bill Miller Bar-B-Q was 100% negligent for serving sauce at such a dangerous temperature. Their decision? Award her a jaw-dropping $2.8 million in damages!

What Does This Mean for Texas Barbecue Lovers?

This verdict is a wake-up call for restaurants across the state. It’s not just about serving great food; it’s about doing it safely. Texans love their barbecue, but no one wants to end up in the hospital over a sauce mishap.

Let this be a lesson, Lubbock. If you’re grabbing barbecue, proceed with caution—especially if your sauce could double as lava!