Starbucks Ordered to Pay $50 Million for Customer Burn Injuries

LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles jury has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million in damages to a delivery driver who suffered severe burns from a spill of hot tea during a drive-through pick-up. The incident occurred on February 8, 2020, when Michael Garcia received a tray containing several venti-sized hot beverages at the popular coffee chain’s location at 1789 West Jefferson Blvd.

According to the lawsuit, Garcia experienced debilitating burns, nerve damage, and permanent disfigurement after a barista improperly secured the lid on one of the drinks, resulting in a spill that caused injuries to his genitals. His attorney, Nicholas Rowley, described the case as a clear example of “gross negligence” on Starbucks’ part.

During the trial, jurors were shown video evidence that indicated the barista failed to correctly position one of the cups in the drink tray. As Garcia took possession of the tray, one of the drinks fell, causing the lid to pop off and the scalding liquid to spill on him within seconds, leading to third-degree burns.

“Michael Garcia’s life has been forever changed,” Rowley said after the verdict. “This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety.”

The jury deliberated for approximately 40 minutes before arriving at its decision on Friday, ultimately agreeing with Garcia’s claims. His injuries included physical pain, emotional distress, and significant lifestyle changes, with Rowley stating that no amount of money could fully compensate for the irreversible harm Garcia endured.

Starbucks responded to the verdict with a statement expressing sympathy for Garcia while maintaining that it disagreed with the jury’s findings of fault. “We plan to appeal the jury’s decision and believe the damages awarded are excessive,” a spokesperson said. They emphasized the company’s commitment to high safety standards regarding hot drink handling.

This lawsuit echoing a past notorious case against McDonald’s in 1994, in which a woman severely burned herself on hot coffee, has drawn public attention to beverage safety protocols in the fast-food industry.

Prior to the trial, Starbucks attempted to settle for $3 million, increasing their offer to $30 million, which Garcia accepted under the condition that the company apologize and make changes to its safety policies. Starbucks refused those terms, leading to the jury’s eventual ruling.

Garcia underwent multiple surgeries following the incident, with evidence presented at trial indicating lasting impacts including permanent loss of sensation in affected areas and ongoing PTSD related to his experience. The jury’s ruling marks a significant moment in the discussion regarding consumer safety and corporate accountability in the beverage industry.