A California jury has ordered Starbucks to pay a staggering $50 million in damages to a customer in a lawsuit, who suffered severe burns from a spilled hot tea.
The verdict has reignited debates about corporate responsibility, customer safety, and excessive lawsuit settlements in the U.S.
What Happened?
The lawsuit stemmed from a February 8, 2020 incident at a Starbucks drive-thru in Los Angeles. Michael Garcia, the plaintiff, was handed a takeout tray containing multiple hot drinks, including a venti-sized tea. According to court documents, one of the drinks was not properly secured in the tray. As Garcia took possession of the tray, the drink spilled, causing severe burns to his body, including his genitals.
Garcia underwent multiple skin grafts and medical procedures, claiming that the burns led to permanent disfigurement. His legal team argued that Starbucks had a duty to ensure drinks were properly secured before handing them to customers, accusing the coffee giant of negligence and breach of duty of care.
Starbucks’ Response & Legal Battle
Starbucks disputed the claims, stating that Garcia failed to exercise caution when handling the tray. The company argued that:
- Customers are responsible for handling hot beverages with care.
- Garcia’s negligence contributed to the spill.
- Starbucks adheres to strict safety protocols in serving hot drinks.
Despite these arguments, the jury ruled in Garcia’s favor, awarding him one of the largest payouts in recent product liability cases.
Starbucks plans to appeal the decision, calling the damages awarded “excessive” and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining safety standards in its stores.
Why Did The Jury Award $50 Million?
Legal experts believe several factors contributed to the massive settlement:
- Severity of Injuries: The burns led to permanent physical damage and required extensive medical treatment.
- Starbucks’ Refusal to Settle: Before the trial, Starbucks offered Garcia $3 million, later increasing it to $30 million, both of which he rejected.
- Company Negligence: The argument that Starbucks failed to properly secure the drink in the tray likely played a key role in swaying the jury.
- Public Sentiment & Precedent: The case drew comparisons to the famous McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit, where a customer was awarded $2.9 million after suffering third-degree burns from an overheated beverage.
Starbucks’ appeal process could take months or even years, but the case is already being viewed as a landmark moment for consumer safety lawsuits. The ruling could lead to new safety protocols at drive-thrus across the country, forcing companies to rethink how they serve hot beverages.
For customers, this case serves as a reminder to exercise caution when handling hot drinks, but also highlights the importance of corporate responsibility in product safety.
