*Starbucks has been ordered to pay $50 million in damages to a delivery driver who suffered severe burns due to an improperly secured lid on a hot drink.
The case, filed in 2020, accused the coffee giant of negligence in handling hot beverages, leading to injuries for the plaintiff, Michael Garcia, ABC 7 reports. According to the lawsuit filed in California, Garcia was picking up drinks from a Starbucks drive-through in Los Angeles when the incident occurred. His attorney, Michael Parker, explained that Garcia was handed a tray containing three beverages, but one of the hot drinks was not securely placed in the holder. As the barista passed the order to him, the drink tipped over, spilling onto his lap.
The lawsuit stated that the spill caused “severe burns, disfigurement, and debilitating nerve damage to his genitals.”
Court documents cited damages including “physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, inconvenience, grief, disfigurement, physical impairment, anxiety, and emotional distress.”
In response to the jury’s verdict, Starbucks confirmed plans to appeal.
“We sympathize with Mr. Garcia, but we disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. “We have always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot drinks.”
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