A jury in the United States has awarded Starbucks $50 million (approximately $79 million) in damages to a delivery driver who suffered severe burns from a spill caused by an improperly secured lid on hot drinks. The incident involved Michael Garcia, who was at a drive-through in Los Angeles picking up drinks when one of the beverages fell onto his lap, resulting in serious injuries including disfigurement and nerve damage to his genitals.
The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court in 2020, accused Starbucks of neglecting its obligation to ensure the safety of its products by not securing the lid properly. According to Garcia’s attorney, Michael Parker, the issue arose when one of the hot drinks was not correctly positioned in its container, leading to the unfortunate spill during handover.
Garcia’s injuries were described as not only physical but also emotional and psychological, as he experienced significant pain, mental distress, and a diminished quality of life following the incident.
In response to the jury’s decision, Starbucks expressed plans to appeal the verdict, stating that while they empathise with Garcia, they believe the jury acted incorrectly in attributing fault to the company and deemed the damages excessive. A Starbucks spokesperson reiterated their commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards, particularly concerning the handling of hot beverages.
This case draws parallels to a notable 1994 lawsuit against McDonald’s, which involved a woman suffering third-degree burns from spilled hot coffee and led to her being awarded nearly $4.7 million.