Starbucks Ordered to Pay $50 Million to Delivery Driver Burned by Hot Coffee
A California jury has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million in damages to a delivery driver, Michael Garcia, who suffered severe burns and nerve damage after a hot beverage spilled on him due to an improperly secured lid.
The incident occurred at a Los Angeles drive-through, where Garcia was picking up drinks. According to his lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court in 2020, one of the beverages was not securely placed in its container. When the barista handed over the order, the drink tipped over, spilling onto Garcia’s lap and causing serious injuries to his genitals.
Garcia’s attorneys argued that Starbucks failed in its duty of care, leading to physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term impairment. The jury sided with Garcia, awarding him a substantial sum in damages.
However, Starbucks has announced plans to appeal, stating that while they sympathize with Garcia, they disagree with the verdict and consider the damages excessive.
The case has drawn comparisons to the infamous 1994 McDonald’s coffee lawsuit, where a woman suffered third-degree burns and was initially awarded $3 million.
