A Florida woman, Brandy Buckley, has been awarded more than $14 million after a jury ruled in her favor in a case involving contaminated ice cream that caused severe, lasting injuries.
The incident dates back to September 11, 2018, when Buckley stopped at a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream drive-thru and purchased butter pecan ice cream for herself and her son. While eating, she bit into what she initially believed was a pecan—but it turned out to be a metal nail, along with additional sharp fragments that had been mixed into the dessert.
After feeling the object lodge in her throat, Buckley sought immediate medical attention. Doctors later confirmed via X-ray that a nail and other metal pieces were inside her body, requiring removal. According to court records, the incident caused permanent nerve damage, internal scarring, ongoing medical complications, and significantly impacted her ability to have more children.
In 2019, Buckley filed a lawsuit against Malabar Creameries and the broader Bruster’s Real Ice Cream brand. The case focused on how the ice cream—made and mixed on-site—became contaminated with metal objects.
After years of legal proceedings in Brevard County, a jury ultimately sided with Buckley, awarding her $14,147,525.39 in damages. The compensation covers medical expenses, lost income, and the long-term physical and emotional impact of the incident.
Her attorney, Scott Alpizar, described the verdict as a fair outcome given the severity of her injuries. As of now, representatives for the company have not publicly responded to the ruling.
