A man from Los Angeles has won $50 million after suffering severe burns when a hot tea spilled on his lap. The incident happened at a Starbucks drive-through in California. His injuries were so serious that they caused permanent damage. The accident turned his life upside down. Now, Starbucks is facing the financial consequences of what happened that day. Indeed, Starbucks has to pay a significant amount.
Delivery Driver Suffers Permanent Injuries
Michael Garcia, a delivery driver, purchased a venti-sized hot tea from Starbucks on February 8, 2020. As soon as he received the drink, it fell onto his lap. The scalding liquid caused severe burns to his crotch area. The pain was immediate and unbearable. His injuries were so extreme that he had to undergo multiple skin grafts and other medical treatments. His attorneys say that the burns changed his life forever and left him permanently scarred due to Starbucks’ negligence.
Jury Rules That Starbucks Is Responsible
Garcia decided to sue Starbucks, claiming that the company was responsible for his injuries. On Friday, a jury in Los Angeles County ruled in his favor. The jury found that the Starbucks employee who handed him the drink did not place it securely in the takeout tray. That mistake led to the accident. Because of this, Starbucks was held responsible for Garcia’s injuries. The massive $50 million verdict sends a strong message about customer safety and corporate responsibility. It implies Starbucks must pay for the damages.
Attorney Criticizes Starbucks For Negligence
Nick Rowley, Garcia’s attorney, believes this case is important for holding Starbucks accountable. He stated that Starbucks ignored basic customer safety. He also accused the company of failing to take responsibility for what happened. According to Rowley, this verdict highlights the dangers of handling hot drinks carelessly. He hopes it will force Starbucks to improve its safety procedures. He emphasized that Starbucks is required to pay due to the negligence shown.
Starbucks Responds And Denies Responsibility
A Starbucks spokesperson responded to the verdict, saying the company disagrees with the jury’s decision. They believe the damages awarded to Garcia were excessive. The company also defended its policies, saying they are committed to the highest safety standards when handling hot drinks. However, the jury’s decision suggests that Starbucks did not do enough to prevent this accident. Starbucks plans to appeal, but for now, Starbucks has to pay as ordered.
Case Reminds Public Of 1990s McDonald’s Lawsuit
This lawsuit is similar to a well-known case against McDonald’s in the 1990s. In that case, a woman from New Mexico, Stella Liebeck, suffered third-degree burns after spilling a cup of hot coffee on her lap. She sued McDonald’s and was initially awarded nearly $3 million in damages. The case drew national attention and sparked debates about corporate responsibility and consumer safety. Similarly, Starbucks to pay a significant amount mirrors this situation.
McDonald’s Had To Pay Less After Court Ruling
While the jury originally awarded Liebeck a large amount, the trial judge later reduced the damages. Court records show that her final payout included $480,000 in punitive damages and $160,000 in compensatory damages. The case became famous for raising awareness about how dangerously hot fast-food coffee could be. It also showed that major corporations could be held legally responsible for customer injuries.
Starbucks Faces Huge Payout And Safety Questions
Now, Starbucks must pay Garcia $50 million for his injuries. The case raises serious questions about how companies handle hot drinks and whether they do enough to protect customers. It also highlights the lasting impact of such accidents on victims. Starbucks may now have to review its safety policies to avoid similar lawsuits in the future.
