Los Angeles — A Los Angeles jury has awarded $50 million to a delivery driver who suffered severe injuries after a hot tea purchased from Starbucks spilled on him. The verdict came after the plaintiff, Tommy Piluyev, sued the coffee giant, claiming negligence that led to disfiguring burns.
In October 2018, Piluyev was at a Starbucks drive-thru in Roseville, California, retrieving two cups of hot honey citrus mint tea. As an employee handed him the drinks, the lids dislodged, and the scalding liquid spilled over his hands and abdomen, severely burning him. Piluyev, who was a Postmates driver at the time, alleged that the injuries had a profound impact on his quality of life.
Documented in the court proceedings, the injuries not only caused Piluyev immense pain but also left him with permanent damage that required extensive skin grafts. Most significantly, the burns extensively affected his genitals, complicating his personal relationships and ability to urinate normally.
During the trial, experts testified that the tea was served at temperatures between 190 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, a range capable of causing third-degree burns in seconds. This key piece of evidence highlighted the inherent risks involved in the handling and transportation of such hot beverages.
Starbucks, on their part, defended their practices, stating that the temperature of the tea was within the industry standards for safety. However, the jury found the company liable for the injury, focusing on the argument that better precautions could have been taken to secure the lids and protect customers from potential harm.
The verdict is significant not only for the size of the award but also for the implications it holds for the food and beverage industry. It underscores the critical need for stringent safety protocols, especially in the fast-paced environment of drive-thru service. This case could potentially prompt other businesses to reevaluate and strengthen their procedures to prevent similar incidents.
Consumer safety advocates have weighed in, noting that this incident is a crucial reminder for companies to continually assess the safety of their product delivery systems. Enhancements in packaging technology and employee training could significantly mitigate risks to consumers.
The award, one of the largest of its kind for such injuries, reflects the jury’s stance on the accountability of corporations in preventing avoidable harm to their customers. It also serves as a cautionary tale for businesses about the repercussions of negligence in customer safety.
The ruling has sparked a broader dialogue on corporate responsibility and the measures necessary to ensure consumer safety, which could lead to more rigorous industry standards.
Starbucks has not confirmed whether it will appeal the decision. The case, however, remains a critical discussion point in consumer safety and corporate liability sectors.
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