Starbucks

$50 Million Verdict Against Starbucks After Scalding Tea Incident Leaves Man with Severe Injuries

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Los Angeles, CA — A Los Angeles jury awarded $50 million to a local man on Friday, culminating a lawsuit against Starbucks, where he sustained severe burns from a spilled tea in 2020. The incident occurred at a drive-thru in Exposition Park, drastically altering the life of Michael Garcia, a Postmates driver handling a delivery at the time. Garcia was waiting at the window of the Starbucks located at 1789 West Jefferson Boulevard when he was handed a tray containing three large "medicine ball" hot teas. Tragically, one of the drinks toppled out of the … Read more

Delivery Driver Wins $50 Million After Scalding Incident at Starbucks Drive-Through

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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 … Read more

$50 Million Verdict: Jury Sides with Driver in Starbucks Scalding Case

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Los Angeles, CA – A Los Angeles jury has ruled in favor of a delivery driver who sustained burns from a scalding beverage at a Starbucks drive-through, awarding him a stunning $50 million. This decision, dated March 14, 2025, holds Starbucks entirely accountable for the mishap, clearing the plaintiff of any negligence. This case has cast a harsh light on the safety practices of the fast-food industry, particularly regarding the handling and serving temperatures of hot beverages. The verdict is one of the most significant financial judgments for a burn injury involving the coffee company … Read more

Jury Awards $50 Million to Delivery Driver Scalded by Starbucks Tea

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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 … Read more