Man Receives $50 Million in Damages After Suffering Burns from Starbucks Hot Tea | US News
A delivery driver who required skin grafts after a hot tea from Starbucks spilled into his lap has been awarded $50 million (£38.6 million) in damages.
Michael Garcia sustained third-degree burns to his genitals, groin, and inner thighs, resulting in permanent and life-altering disfigurement after picking up the drink at a California drive-through, according to his legal representatives.
His negligence lawsuit attributed the injuries to Starbucks, arguing that an employee failed to secure the scalding-hot tea properly in a takeaway tray.
Footage captures Mr. Garcia receiving a tray of three drinks at the serving window in Los Angeles, where he appears to struggle while driving away.
Incident occurred at a Starbucks drive-through in California. Pic: Trial Lawyers for Justice
A jury in Los Angeles County ruled in favor of Mr. Garcia following his legal action related to the incident on February 8, 2020.
At the time, he was working as a Postmates delivery driver, as reported by Sky’s US partner network, NBC News.
His attorney, Nick Rowley, stated that Mr. Garcia’s “life has been forever changed.”
“This jury verdict represents a vital step in holding Starbucks accountable for its blatant disregard for customer safety and its failure to take responsibility,” he added.
Starbucks expressed sympathy for Mr. Garcia but intends to appeal the decision.
In a statement, the coffeehouse chain remarked: “We disagree with the jury’s finding of fault in this incident and consider the damages awarded to be excessive.”
The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in handling hot beverages.
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Restaurants in the US have faced similar lawsuits in the past regarding customer burns.
In one notable case from the 1990s, a New Mexico jury awarded a woman nearly $3 million (£2.3 million) for burns she incurred while attempting to remove the lid from a cup of coffee at a McDonald’s drive-through.
A judge subsequently reduced the award, and the case was settled for an undisclosed amount under $600,000 (£463,600).
