California jury orders Starbucks to pay $50 million over hot drink spill

A California jury has awarded $50 million in damages to Michael Garcia, a delivery driver who suffered severe burns from a hot beverage that spilled onto his lap due to an improperly secured lid.

The incident occurred at a Starbucks drive-through in Los Angeles, where Garcia was picking up drinks in 2020, Caliber.Az reports, citing American media.

According to the lawsuit filed in California Superior Court, one of the beverages Garcia received was not properly secured, causing it to spill when handed to him by the barista. The hot liquid caused severe burns, disfigurement, and debilitating nerve damage, including injuries to Garcia's genitals. His attorney, Michael Parker, emphasized the emotional and physical toll the incident has had on Garcia, describing the damages as including "physical pain, mental anguish, anxiety, emotional distress, and humiliation."

Garcia’s legal team accused Starbucks of breaching its duty of care by failing to ensure the safety of the hot drink, which led to the disastrous spill. The delivery driver has also experienced loss of enjoyment of life and grief due to the long-lasting effects of the injury.

In response to the verdict, Starbucks has expressed sympathy for Garcia but intends to appeal the decision, asserting that the company was not at fault. A Starbucks spokesperson said, “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. We have always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot drinks.”

The case echoes the infamous 1994 lawsuit against McDonald’s in which Stella Liebeck suffered third-degree burns from a hot coffee spill, a case that initially resulted in nearly $3 million in damages.

Starbucks' decision to appeal could delay any further resolution, but the case is another reminder of the potential legal consequences businesses face when it comes to customer safety.

By Khagan Isayev