Los Angeles, CA – A California jury has awarded $50 million to Michael Garcia, a delivery driver who suffered severe burns after a tea drink from Starbucks spilled over him. The incident, which took place at a drive-through in February 2020, has led to significant injuries including the need for skin grafts and other medical procedures, specifically affecting his genitals.
The court found on Friday that the Seattle-based coffee company was responsible for the mishap. According to Garcia’s legal team, the tea was not properly secured in the tray provided by a Starbucks employee, leading to the spillage. The jury’s verdict reflects the compelling argument that Starbucks exhibited a disregard for customer safety.
Garcia’s lawyers have highlighted the life-altering impact of the injuries, emphasizing the permanent disfigurement he has endured. Nick Rowley, one of Garcia’s attorneys, remarked that the verdict is a pivotal moment in holding the prominent coffee chain accountable.
Starbucks has expressed sympathy toward Garcia’s predicament but is preparing to challenge the jury’s decision. In a statement, the company disagreed with the findings of fault and described the awarded damages as excessively high. Despite this, Starbucks reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in its service operations.
The legal backdrop includes previous cases where U.S. restaurants have been sued for hot beverage burns. Notably, a New Mexico woman in the 1990s was initially awarded nearly $3 million after suffering burns from McDonald’s coffee, although this was later reduced and settled for less than $600,000. Another case involved a child in Iowa spilling McDonald’s coffee on himself, resulting in the jury siding with the restaurant.
These instances form part of a broader pattern of litigation involving injuries from hot beverages, raising continuous questions about corporate responsibility and consumer safety in the service industry.
As Starbucks prepares its appeal, the case may set further precedents for how businesses manage their health and safety obligations.
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