New York: A California jury ruled Starbucks must pay $50 million to a delivery driver burned by a hot beverage.
Michael Garcia suffered severe burns when a drink spilled on his lap at a Los Angeles drive-through.
The lawsuit claimed Starbucks failed to secure the drink lid properly, leading to the incident.
Garcia’s injuries included nerve damage, disfigurement, and extreme pain, according to the legal filing.
His lawyer, Michael Parker, argued Starbucks breached its duty of care in handling hot drinks.
Incident Details
Garcia was collecting three drinks when one wasn’t properly secured in the tray.
As the barista handed the drinks over, one spilled onto his lap.
The accident caused significant injuries, impacting his physical and mental well-being.
He experienced humiliation, distress, and a loss of enjoyment in life after the injury.
The lawsuit was filed in California Superior Court in 2020 following the incident.
Legal Verdict
The jury ruled in favor of Garcia, awarding him $50 million in damages.
Starbucks announced plans to appeal the verdict, calling the amount excessive.
A company spokesperson expressed sympathy but denied liability for the accident.
Starbucks insisted it follows strict safety measures when handling hot beverages.
The company maintains that the incident was not its responsibility.
Similar Case
The case is reminiscent of the 1994 McDonald’s lawsuit over a hot coffee spill.
In that case, Stella Liebeck suffered third-degree burns from McDonald’s coffee.
She was initially awarded nearly $3 million before the settlement was reduced.
Both lawsuits highlight the dangers of serving improperly secured hot drinks.
Cases like these have sparked debates about corporate responsibility.
Impact on Garcia
Garcia’s injuries led to ongoing medical treatment and emotional distress.
He suffered nerve damage and disfigurement from the burns.
His lawyer emphasized the long-term consequences of the incident.
Pain, anxiety, and inconvenience continue to affect Garcia’s daily life.
The jury’s decision reflects the severity of his suffering.
Starbucks’ Response
Starbucks maintains that it follows high safety standards.
The company argues that the jury’s decision was unfair.
Officials at Starbucks believe the compensation amount is excessive.
They will challenge the ruling through an appeal.
Starbucks’ legal team will continue fighting the verdict.
Public Reaction
The case has drawn attention to corporate responsibility in customer safety.
Many recall the infamous McDonald’s coffee lawsuit from 1994.
Social media users have debated whether the verdict was justified.
Some believe Starbucks should be held accountable for handling hot beverages improperly.
Others argue that accidents like this are unpredictable.
