Starbucks Ordered to Pay $50M to Customer Burned by Hot Tea

A California delivery driver, Michael Garcia, has been awarded $50 million (£38.6 million) in damages after suffering third-degree burns when a scalding-hot tea spilled into his lap at a Starbucks drive-through.

Garcia, who was working as a Postmates driver, sued Starbucks, alleging that an employee failed to securely wedge the takeaway tray, causing the hot drink to spill as he drove away from the Los Angeles location in February 2020.

Video footage from the incident shows him struggling with the tray of three drinks after receiving it at the serving window. His injuries required skin grafts and resulted in permanent disfigurement to his genitals, groin, and inner thighs.

His lawyer, Nick Rowley, said:

“This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for its flagrant disregard for customer safety.”

Starbucks expressed sympathy for Garcia but disagreed with the jury’s verdict, calling the damages excessive. The company stated:

“We believe the damages awarded are excessive and plan to appeal. Starbucks is committed to the highest safety standards in handling hot beverages.”

This case is reminiscent of the infamous McDonald's coffee lawsuit in the 1990s, where a New Mexico jury awarded nearly $3 million to a woman who suffered severe burns from spilled hot coffee. The case was later settled for under $600,000.

As Starbucks prepares its appeal, this high-profile lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns over customer safety and corporate accountability in the fast food and coffee industry.
Source:Sky news
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