Jury Awards $50 Million to Man Burned by Hot Coffee at Starbucks Drive-Thru

LOS ANGELES — A California jury has awarded $50 million to Michael Garcia, a delivery driver, after he suffered severe burns from an improperly secured cup of hot tea at a Starbucks drive-thru in 2020.

On February 8, 2020, Garcia was picking up three venti-sized beverages at the Starbucks location on West Jefferson Boulevard when a barista failed to secure one of the cups in the tray, leading to a spill that caused third-degree burns to his genitals and substantial other injuries, according to court documents.

Garcia’s attorney, Nicholas Rowley, argued that the barista’s negligence directly resulted in the incident, which left Garcia with lasting physical and emotional pain. “Michael Garcia’s life has been forever changed,” Rowley said. “No amount of money can undo the permanent catastrophic harm he has suffered.”

Garcia’s injuries not only included severe burns but also debilitating nerve damage, requiring several surgeries, including skin grafts. “He experiences pain every day, and his injuries have led to significant mental anguish,” Rowley added.

The lawsuit accused Starbucks of breaching its duty of care and failing to maintain safety standards in handling hot beverages. The jury deliberated for approximately 40 minutes before rendering its verdict, indicating that they found Starbucks fully liable for Garcia’s injuries.

In a statement following the verdict, a Starbucks spokesperson expressed sympathy for Garcia but disagreed with the jury’s decision. “We believe the damages awarded to be excessive and plan to appeal,” the statement read. The company emphasized its commitment to high safety standards in handling hot drinks.

Prior to the trial, Starbucks offered $3 million to settle the case, which was later increased to $30 million. Garcia was willing to accept the settlement under the condition that Starbucks would publicly apologize, amend its safety protocols, and ensure that all drinks were properly secured before being handed over. Starbucks declined these terms.

The case recalls a similar high-profile lawsuit from 1994 when a woman was severely burned by hot coffee at McDonald’s, drawing national attention to the issue of hot beverage safety. Garcia’s case could set a precedent for how coffee chains address and handle spill-related injuries in the future.