Los Angeles — A California jury has awarded a $50 million payout to a delivery driver after a hot tea from Starbucks caused severe injuries to his genital area. The civil judgment, delivered in Los Angeles County on Friday, followed an incident dating back to 2020 when Michael Garcia, then a driver for Postmates, sustained the injury due to a spill from an improperly secured beverage.
Garcia was fetching three hot tea orders from a Starbucks drive-thru in southwestern Los Angeles County when one of the teas, reportedly not properly fixed into its cardboard carrier, spilled over his lap. The injury resulted in immediate severe burns which required emergency medical attention. Garcia later underwent two skin grafts on his penis, an injury that left him with permanent scarring and discoloration along with debilitating pain.
Represented by Nick Rowley, co-founder of Trial Lawyers for Justice, Garcia’s lawsuit highlighted the physical and emotional trauma he suffered. Rowley emphasized the grievous nature of Garcia’s injuries explaining how the damage would adversely affect his life.
Surveillance footage analyzed during the trial showed a Starbucks employee failing to secure all the cups properly within the carrier before handing them to Garcia through the window. This evidence played a crucial role in the jury’s determination.
Responding to the verdict, Jaci Anderson, director of corporate communications for Starbucks, expressed the company’s sympathy towards Garcia. Nevertheless, she described the $50 million damages as “excessive” and voiced Starbucks’ intention to appeal the decision. Anderson reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards, specifically when handling hot beverages.
This case echoes a similar 1992 incident where a woman received $2.7 million in punitive damages after suffering third-degree burns from a spilled McDonald’s coffee. The punitive award in that case was later reduced by a judge, with a subsequent confidential settlement reached between the parties.
The incidents illuminate the ongoing challenges and risks associated with the handling and transport of hot beverages. They raise significant questions about the adequacy of current safety standards and practices within the fast-food industry.
Legal analysts suggest this case could prompt businesses to reinforce beverage safety protocols to avoid similar litigations, which not only lead to hefty financial payouts but also impact brand reputation.
Concerned readers wishing to follow up or report inaccuracies can reach out via email to [email protected], as all content is generated automatically and may contain errors.