Los Angeles — In a striking court decision, a Los Angeles man was awarded $50 million in damages from Starbucks after suffering severe burns from a hot tea spill in 2020. The incident occurred at the Exposition Park Starbucks on West Jefferson Boulevard, where the plaintiff, Michael Garcia, a Postmates driver, was handed a tray of venti-sized tea drinks through the drive-through window.
According to Garcia, the barista’s negligence in securing the drink and its lid led to the scolding beverage spilling over his lap and genitals within seconds of handling the tray. The impact of this event was devastating, causing third-degree burns, nerve damage, and permanent injuries that left Garcia with both physical and psychological scars, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Represented by attorney Nicholas Rowley, Garcia detailed during the trial his subsequent life-altering surgeries and daily pain. Rowley emphasized the irreversible and catastrophic nature of the injuries, arguing that no monetary compensation could fully rectify the harm done.
After only 40 minutes of deliberation, the jury reached a verdict, siding with Garcia and issuing the $50 million award. In defending the award amount, Rowley underscored Starbucks’ “gross negligence” and the critical need for the company to be held accountable for its failure to ensure customer safety.
Starbucks, however, expressed disagreement with the verdict, citing an intention to appeal the decision. A spokesperson for the company conveyed their sympathy towards Mr. Garcia but contested the claims of fault and labeled the damages as excessively high. The coffee chain stressed its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in the handling of hot beverages across its outlets.
The incident in question took place on February 8, 2020, and Garcia sought professional medical treatment six days later at the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles. Medical interventions included skin grafts, which resulted in permanent loss of sensation in the affected areas. During the trial, evidence of these injuries was presented to substantiate the claims of lasting harm.
Prior to the trial, Starbucks had attempted to settle the case, initially offering $3 million and later increasing the offer to $30 million, which Garcia accepted. Garcia also demanded that Starbucks issue an apology, revise its policies, and notify all locations to ensure the security of drinks before handing them to customers. The refusal of Starbucks to meet these terms culminated in the jury’s decision.
The verdict not only highlights the legal repercussions of negligence in customer service but also emphasizes the potential severity of injuries from seemingly routine transactions. This case serves as a significant reminder of corporate responsibility in safeguarding consumers.
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