A California delivery driver just won a massive $50 million verdict against coffee giant Starbucks after suffering severe burns from a spilled hot tea. The case has become the latest high-stakes battle over food safety in America’s fast-food industry. But is $50 million too much?
At a glance:
• Michael Garcia, a delivery driver, won a $50 million lawsuit against Starbucks after suffering severe burns from hot tea in 2020
• Starbucks was found negligent for not properly securing the venti-sized tea in a takeout tray at a drive-through
• Garcia underwent multiple skin grafts and medical procedures due to permanent disfigurement
• The verdict echoes the famous McDonald’s hot coffee case from the 1990s
• Starbucks plans to appeal the decision, calling the damages “excessive”
California Jury Delivers Massive Verdict
A Los Angeles County jury delivered a staggering $50 million verdict against Starbucks after determining the company was negligent in a 2020 incident that left delivery driver Michael Garcia with life-altering burns.
Garcia suffered the injuries on February 8, 2020, when a venti-sized hot tea spilled in his lap at a Starbucks drive-through. The lawsuit claimed Starbucks employees failed to properly secure the hot beverage in the takeout tray, directly leading to the spill.
And while it may seem like $50 million is just too much for some spilled tea, the damage done by the burns was significant.
Severe Injuries and Legal Arguments
Court documents revealed Garcia endured multiple skin grafts and other medical procedures due to the extensive burns. The permanent disfigurement has significantly impacted his quality of life and ability to work normally.
Nick Rowley, Garcia’s attorney, emphasized the significance of the verdict in his statement following the court decision.
“This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility,” Rowley said.
Starbucks immediately pushed back against the decision, however, indicating they would appeal.
“We disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive,” a Starbucks spokesperson stated.
Corporate Accountability and Similar Cases
If it feels like this is all too familiar, that’s because it is. The case has drawn inevitable comparisons to the famous McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit from the 1990s. That case became a flashpoint in debates about frivolous lawsuits despite the plaintiff suffering third-degree burns requiring extensive medical treatment.
More recently, a jury awarded $800,000 to a family in July 2023 after their child was burned by a hot McDonald’s chicken nugget. These cases continue to raise questions about appropriate safety measures and corporate responsibility in the fast-food industry.
Despite the verdict, Starbucks maintains they prioritize customer safety.
“We have always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot drinks,” the company spokesperson said in response to the ruling.
With sales plummeting, fighting this decision is going to put a lot of pressure on Starbucks from the public.
