A California jury has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million to a man who suffered severe burns to his genitals after a hot tea spilled on his lap. Michael Garcia, a delivery driver, sustained life-altering injuries when the drink fell onto his crotch while he waited at a drive-thru in February 2020.
According to court documents, a Starbucks employee improperly secured the venti-sized tea in a takeout tray before handing it to Garcia. The scalding liquid caused permanent injuries, requiring multiple medical procedures, including skin grafts.
After deliberation, the Los Angeles County jury ruled in Garcia’s favor, holding the coffee giant accountable for negligence.
Jury Holds Starbucks Responsible
Garcia’s attorney, Nick Rowley, emphasized the significance of the ruling. “This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility,” he said in a statement.
Starbucks, however, is pushing back. A company spokesperson told NBC News they “disagree with the jury’s decision” and plan to appeal, calling the damages “excessive.” The company insists it upholds strict safety protocols for handling hot beverages.
This case echoes past lawsuits against major chains over scalding-hot drinks. The infamous 1994 McDonald’s coffee lawsuit resulted in a multimillion-dollar payout, while a 2019 case awarded $800,000 to a child burned by a McNugget.
With Starbucks now facing a hefty penalty, the verdict sends a strong message about corporate responsibility in food safety.
