A California delivery driver, Michael Garcia, has been awarded $50 million in damages after a hot tea from Starbucks spilled onto his lap, causing severe burns and permanent injuries.
The incident, which took place at a drive-through in February 2020, resulted in Garcia needing extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts.
The Los Angeles County jury found in favor of Garcia, who filed a negligence lawsuit against Starbucks, alleging that an employee had failed to properly secure the venti-sized tea in a takeout tray, leading to the spill.
Garcia’s legal team argued that Starbucks showed a disregard for customer safety by not properly handling the tea.
“This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for its flagrant neglect,” said Nick Rowley, one of Garcia’s attorneys.
In response, Starbucks expressed sympathy for Garcia but disagreed with the jury’s decision, claiming the damages were excessive and that the company was not at fault. The company has announced plans to appeal the verdict.
The case has drawn comparisons to the infamous 1990s lawsuit against McDonald’s, in which a woman was awarded nearly $3 million after suffering burns from spilled coffee, although that case was later settled for much less.
However, not all similar lawsuits have resulted in victories for customers, as shown by a 1990s Iowa case where a child was burned by coffee.
Garcia’s lawyers emphasized the lasting impact of his injuries, which have left him permanently disfigured. With Starbucks appealing the decision, the case raises important questions about corporate responsibility and food safety in the industry.
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