A Los Angeles jury awarded $50 million on Friday to a man who suffered severe, life-altering injuries when hot tea spilled on him at a Starbucks drive-thru. The case brought to light safety concerns at one of the world’s largest coffee chains.
The incident took place on February 8, 2020, at an Exposition Park Starbucks. Michael Garcia is a Postmates driver who was doing a pickup from the drive-thru when the incident happened. As one of the baristas handed him a tray of an assortment of drinks, one of them spilled over, pouring hot tea on his lap. His response was caught by security cameras at the store at 1789 West Jefferson Boulevard.
Claims of Negligence:
Garcia had asked for three venti-sized “medicine ball” teas. In court documents, it was alleged that one of the drinks was not secured in the tray. Within seconds of the drinks being delivered, the unsecured cup tipped over, its lid came off, and scalding tea was poured onto Garcia, leaving him with third-degree burns..
Attorney’s Statement:
“Starbucks is saying that once the beverage is out of their hands, they’re not responsible anymore,” Garcia’s lawyer, Nicholas Rowley, said. “But if a drink is not properly secured and results in instant injury, they can’t turn a blind eye to responsibility.”
Severe and Permanent Injuries:
The accident inflicted immense harm on Garcia, including nerve damage, permanent genital injury, and constant pain. His attorneys added that Garcia also has severe PTSD and has undergone multiple surgeries since the accident.
Jury’s Quick Verdict:
The jury deliberated about 40 minutes to render a verdict in favor of Garcia, holding Starbucks liable for gross negligence. Rowley said the $50 million verdict was fair, considering the long-term effects on Garcia’s life.
Starbucks Responds:
In a statement to News Trend News Los Angeles, a Starbucks spokesperson expressed sympathy but disagreed with the jury’s conclusion. “We believe the damages awarded are excessive and plan to appeal. Starbucks is dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot beverages,” the company said.
Pre-Trial Settlement Offer:
Prior to trial, Starbucks supposedly made Garcia a $3 million offer, raising it to $30 million thereafter. Garcia wanted to settle the case on terms that Starbucks make an apology, adopt new security protocols, and issue a memo to all the company’s staff to double check hot beverages prior to serving the same to their customers. Starbucks refused, precipitating the trial.
Continuing Treatment and Consequences
Garcia’s wounds necessitated the treatment of Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles, during which he underwent grafting on the skin and was left with temporary loss of feeling and lasting health issues.
History of Similar Incidents
It is not the first lawsuit Starbucks has been brought against over spills of hot beverages at drive-thrus. In 2018, a Northern California man suffered life-altering burns and spent nearly two weeks in the burn unit at UC Davis Medical Center following a spill akin to the one in this incident. In 2017, a woman in Denver sued following a spill at a Starbucks drive-thru that badly hurt her and killed her dog.
Conclusion:
“Michael Garcia’s life will never be the same,” Rowley said. “No amount of money can ever make up for the damage, but this verdict sends a message about corporate accountability and customer safety at Starbucks stores everywhere around the world.”
