LOS ANGELES (AP) — A jury awarded $50 million to Michael Garcia after he suffered severe burns from a spilled Starbucks drink in a California drive-through. The incident occurred on February 8, 2020, leading to extensive medical procedures for Garcia, including skin grafts, due to the injuries he sustained.
- Delivery driver awarded $50 million in lawsuit
- Incident involved spilled Starbucks drink
- Jury found Starbucks negligent in handling
- Starbucks plans to appeal the verdict
- Previous burn cases against restaurants noted
- Jury decisions have varied in similar lawsuits
The lawsuit stemmed from an incident where a venti-sized tea drink spilled in Garcia’s lap shortly after he received it. He alleged that a Starbucks employee failed to secure the drink properly in the takeout tray, leading to his injuries. Garcia’s legal team argued that the company showed a disregard for customer safety, resulting in permanent disfigurement for Garcia.
In the wake of the verdict, Starbucks expressed sympathy for Garcia but announced plans to appeal the decision. The company emphasized its commitment to high safety standards when handling hot beverages and disagreed with the jury’s finding of fault. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding customer safety in the food and beverage industry.
Historically, U.S. restaurants have faced lawsuits over similar incidents. A notable case from the 1990s involved a woman who received nearly $3 million after suffering burns from a McDonald’s coffee, although the final settlement was significantly lower. Conversely, there have been instances where juries sided with restaurants, such as a case involving a child who spilled coffee on himself.
This case against Starbucks underscores the importance of safety protocols in food service. As the appeal process unfolds, it may influence how companies handle hot beverages and respond to customer safety concerns in the future.
