Starbucks has been ordered to pay a staggering $50 million to a California customer who suffered excruciating burns after a scalding hot drink spilled on him at a drive-thru. The incident, which took place on February 8, 2020, led to severe injuries, requiring multiple medical procedures, including skin grafts.
The victim, Michael Garcia, had just received a takeout tray holding venti-sized drinks at a Starbucks location on West Jefferson Blvd. in Los Angeles when disaster struck. His legal team successfully argued that a barista failed to secure one of the drinks in the tray, leading it to tip over and spill when Garcia took possession. The injuries were so severe that he underwent painful surgeries, particularly on his genitals.
His attorneys blasted Starbucks for negligence, claiming the coffee giant ignored basic safety measures and failed to take accountability. Nick Rowley, one of Garcia’s lawyers, called the verdict a “major victory” for customer safety. “This jury decision is a wake-up call for Starbucks to take responsibility for its actions,” Rowley stated.
Surprisingly, three jurors believed the payout should have been even higher… $125 million, according to reports from the Daily Journal.
Despite the ruling, Starbucks isn’t backing down. The Seattle-based corporation announced plans to appeal, claiming the jury’s verdict was unjustified and the damages were excessive. “We strongly disagree with the decision and maintain that we uphold the highest safety standards,” Starbucks stated.
The company also attempted to shift blame, arguing that Garcia was partly responsible for the spill due to his own negligence. However, the jury sided with the plaintiff, delivering one of the largest personal injury verdicts against the coffee giant in recent history.
This case echoes past lawsuits where Starbucks and other fast-food chains have faced legal battles over dangerously hot beverages. Will this massive payout lead to stricter policies in handling hot drinks? Only time will tell.
