A California jury has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million in damages to Michael Garcia, a delivery driver who suffered severe burns when hot tea spilled into his lap. The incident occurred in February 2020 at a Starbucks drive-through in Los Angeles County.
Garcia, working as a Postmates driver at the time, was picking up a customer’s order, which included three venti-sized “Medicine Ball” teas—a blend of hot teas, lemonade, and honey. According to the lawsuit, a Starbucks barista negligently failed to secure one of the teas in the drink carrier. As Garcia received the carrier, the unsecured tea spilled into his lap, causing third-degree burns to his groin area. He required hospitalization and multiple skin grafts, resulting in permanent disfigurement and ongoing pain.
The jury’s decision to award $50 million reflects the severity of Garcia’s injuries and the perceived negligence on Starbucks’ part. Nick Rowley, Garcia’s attorney, emphasized the life-altering impact of the injuries and the importance of holding Starbucks accountable for customer safety.
Starbucks has expressed sympathy for Garcia but disagrees with the jury’s decision, stating that they believe the damages awarded are excessive and that they plan to appeal the verdict. The company maintains that it is committed to the highest safety standards in its stores, including the handling of hot drinks.
This case draws parallels to other high-profile lawsuits involving hot beverage spills, notably the 1990s McDonald’s coffee case where a woman received significant damages for burns. Such cases highlight the ongoing need for vigilance in handling hot beverages to ensure customer safety.
