In a landmark legal decision, a delivery driver has been awarded $50 million in a lawsuit against Starbucks following a serious injury that occurred when a hot drink spilled in his lap at a California drive-through. Court records reveal that a Los Angeles County jury reached this verdict on Friday in favor of Michael Garcia, who has endured extensive medical procedures, including skin grafts, due to the injuries he sustained from the incident.
The incident took place on February 8, 2020, when a venti-sized tea drink spilled immediately after Garcia collected it. The spilled beverage caused severe burns to his genitals, leading to permanent and life-altering disfigurement, as reported by his legal team. Garcia's lawsuit accused Starbucks of negligence, claiming that an employee failed to secure the scalding-hot tea properly in the takeout tray, which contributed to the accident.
Nick Rowley, one of Garcia's attorneys, expressed that this jury verdict is a significant step towards holding Starbucks accountable for what he described as a "flagrant disregard for customer safety." Rowley emphasized the importance of the ruling in ensuring that companies take responsibility for their actions.
In response to the verdict, Starbucks expressed sympathy for Garcia but announced plans to appeal the decision. The Seattle-based coffee giant stated, "We disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive." They further reinforced their commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in the handling of hot beverages.
This case is not isolated; U.S. eateries have faced numerous lawsuits over customer burns in the past. A notable case from the 1990s involved a woman in New Mexico who was awarded nearly $3 million for burns sustained while attempting to remove the lid from a cup of coffee at a McDonald’s drive-through. Although a judge later reduced this award, the case highlights the ongoing legal challenges restaurants face regarding customer safety. Additionally, there have been instances where juries sided with restaurants, such as a case in Iowa where a child tipped a cup of McDonald’s coffee onto himself.
The $50 million award to Michael Garcia raises critical questions about safety practices in restaurants and the responsibilities of food service providers. As Starbucks prepares to appeal, this case will likely continue to spark conversations about consumer safety and corporate accountability in the food industry.
