A delivery driver named Michael Garcia has been awarded $50 million by a Los Angeles jury after suffering severe burns from a spilled Starbucks tea. The hot tea caused serious injuries, requiring multiple skin grafts and ongoing medical treatment.
The incident happened when Garcia picked up an order from Starbucks. According to his lawsuit, the tea was placed in a takeout tray but wasn’t secured properly. As a result, the tea spilled on him, causing painful burns.
Starbucks initially offered Garcia a $30 million settlement to resolve the matter. However, Garcia’s legal team turned it down. They argued that the coffee chain needed to be held accountable and should change its policies to prevent similar accidents in the future.
After hearing the evidence, the jury sided with Garcia and awarded him $50 million in damages. This amount covers his medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering he endured.
Starbucks responded to the verdict by expressing sympathy for Garcia’s injuries. However, the company disagreed with the decision and announced its plan to appeal.
This case draws comparisons to other well-known lawsuits involving burns from hot beverages. One of the most famous cases was the 1992 lawsuit against McDonald’s, where a woman received a $2.7 million award after suffering third-degree burns from a spilled coffee.
Garcia’s case highlights the responsibility businesses have to ensure the safety of their customers and delivery partners. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of handling hot beverages with care to avoid accidents.
