Man awarded $50 million after Starbucks drink spills and burns him

In a significant legal case in the United States, specifically in California, Michael Garcia, a delivery driver, was awarded $50 million in damages due to severe burns he suffered when a Starbucks drink spilled onto him. This incident occurred on February 8, 2020, when Garcia, working for Postmates, collected a tray of three venti-sized 'medicine ball' teas from a drive-through Starbucks location in Los Angeles. The drink, which was scalding hot, spilled into his lap, causing serious injuries that included third-degree burns to sensitive areas of his body. The lawsuit claimed negligence on the part of Starbucks due to improper handling of the drink by an employee, who allegedly failed to secure the drink adequately in the carrier. Following the spill, Garcia underwent skin grafts and other medical procedures due to the severe nature of his burns, which resulted in permanent disfigurement and chronic pain. His legal team emphasized the life-altering impact of the injuries, bringing attention to the responsibility of food service companies in ensuring customer safety. A Los Angeles County jury ultimately found in favor of Garcia after deliberating for approximately 40 minutes, awarding him the substantial damages. Starbucks, while expressing sympathy for Garcia, announced plans to appeal the verdict, disputing the jury’s determination of fault and arguing that the damages awarded were excessive. They cited a commitment to high safety standards in their operations. This case echoes previous high-profile lawsuits surrounding customer injuries caused by hot beverages, including the infamous McDonald’s coffee case from the 1990s. The outcome may have implications for how businesses address safety procedures related to hot drinks and customer interactions at service points.