Starbucks fined $50 million over hot drink injury
A California jury has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million in damages after a delivery driver suffered severe burns from a spilled cup of hot tea at one of its Los Angeles locations. The verdict, announced Friday, comes after the plaintiff, Michael Garcia, claimed the drink was negligently prepared, leading to a life-changing injury.
The incident: how the injury happened
According to court documents, Garcia was picking up three drinks from a Starbucks in 2020 when one of the beverages, a scalding hot tea, allegedly spilled in his lap due to an improperly secured lid. He stated that the accident caused him to suffer severe burns, nerve damage, and permanent disfigurement to his genital area.
Emergency responders rushed Garcia to the hospital, where he underwent treatment for his injuries. His attorneys argued that Starbucks’ failure to properly secure the lid directly caused the accident, leading to significant pain and suffering.
Jury verdict and Starbucks’ response
After reviewing the evidence, the jury sided with Garcia, awarding him $50 million in damages. His attorney, Nick Rowley, emphasized the devastating impact the incident has had on his client’s life.
“Michael Garcia’s life has been forever changed. No amount of money can undo the permanent catastrophic harm he has suffered, but this jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for its failure to accept responsibility,” Rowley said.
However, Starbucks has pushed back against the ruling, stating it will appeal the decision.
“We sympathize with Mr. Garcia, but we disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive,” Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said in a statement.
She added that Starbucks remains committed to high safety standards, including proper handling of hot beverages.
Legal implications for Starbucks and the food industry
The $50 million fine marks one of the largest personal injury verdicts against a coffee company. The case draws comparisons to the infamous McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit in the 1990s, where a woman suffered third-degree burns from a spilled drink and was awarded millions in damages.
This ruling could set a precedent for future customer safety lawsuits in the food and beverage industry, emphasizing the importance of handling hot drinks responsibly to prevent similar accidents.
What’s next for the case?
With Starbucks preparing to appeal, the legal battle is far from over. The company could seek to reduce the payout or challenge the jury’s findings. Meanwhile, Garcia’s legal team remains firm in holding Starbucks accountable for what they claim was negligence in drink preparation and customer safety.
As the case moves forward, it could influence how coffee chains and fast-food establishments handle hot beverage safety in the future. [VOA News]
