Stanley class action alleges some cups have lid defect

Stanley lid defect class action overview: 

• Who: A Stanley travel mug consumer is suing the manufacturer of the product. 
• Why: The plaintiff claims the mugs were sold with a dangerous defect.
• Where: The Stanley class action was filed in a Washington federal court.

A design flaw in the popular Stanley travel mugs has sparked a major recall and now, a class action lawsuit. 

Plaintiff Danielle Scherzi filed the class action complaint against Stanley mug manufacturer Pacific Market International LLC on Dec. 27 in a Washington federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws. 

The lawsuit comes after the company in December recalled about 2.6 million stainless steel travel mugs after receiving dozens of complaints from consumers about the lid detaching, some of whom received burns from hot liquid that required medical attention.

Consumers were urged to “immediately stop using the recalled travel mugs,” according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The Stanley lid defect recall covers 11 product numbers, but Scherzi argues that Stanley’s response has been inadequate. 

The recall webpage is “tucked away on a remote portion of Stanley’s website that few people are likely to see,” leaving many unaware of the hazard, she alleges. Meanwhile, Stanley offers only replacement lids, a solution consumers claim is insufficient, as the mugs themselves are defective, the lawsuit says.

Multiple consumers report burn injuries, lawsuit states

Scherzi, who purchased one of the defective mugs, says she experienced the issue firsthand when her mug’s lid detached twice, spilling hot coffee.

“The product is essentially worthless,” Scherzi said in the lawsuit, emphasizing that she can no longer use the mug for its intended purpose. 

The lawsuit states that Stanley has so far refused to issue refunds and restricts recall remedies to those who still possess the mugs. Many consumers who discarded their mugs after experiencing defects have no recourse, the Stanley lid defect lawsuit says. 

It also accuses Stanley of conducting a low-profile recall to minimize costs, leaving customers unaware of the risks.

At least 38 burn injuries and 91 cases of lid detachment have been reported to date, with 11 consumers requiring medical attention, the lawsuit says. 

As a result, Scherzi is looking to represent anyone who bought the recalled Stanley travel mugs in the United States. 

She is suing for violations of the Washington Consumer Protection Act and New York General Business Law, as well as unjust enrichment, fraud by omission and negligent misrepresentation and is seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.

What do you think of the allegations in this Stanley class action? Let us know in the comments. 

The plaintiff is represented by Todd Wyatt of Wyatt Gronski PLLC, and Yeremey O. Krivoshey, Joel D. Smith and Aleksandr Litvinov of Smith Krivoshey PC.

The Stanley class action is Danielle Scherzi v. Pacific Market International LLC, Case No. 2:24-cv-02151-RAJ in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. 

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Jury awards woman $56M for Sunbeam pressure cooker explosion
• QVC recalls 1M+ Temp-tations oven gloves due to burn injuries
• Seventh Generation falsely advertises amount of loads in bottle, class action claims
• Halo issues recall for tumblers sold at Wawa due to laceration hazard