A Los Angeles County jury awarded $50 million in damages to Michael Garcia, a delivery worker residing in Los Angeles, who suffered life-altering injuries from a hot tea spill at a Starbucks drive-thru in Exposition Park on February 8, 2020. That day, while working as a delivery driver, Garcia received a cardboard drink carrier containing several hot beverages; a loose lid caused scalding tea to spill directly onto his lap and groin area. The incident triggered third-degree burns, among the most severe burn injuries, resulting in extensive tissue damage. Garcia was swiftly taken for medical treatment and underwent two skin graft surgeries on his genital area later that month.
According to his legal representatives, he continues to endure permanent disfigurement, persistent pain, and emotional distress. After a hot tea mishap at a Starbucks drive-thru at Exposition Park on February 8, 2020, a Los Angeles County jury granted $50 million to Los Angeles delivery worker Michael Garcia, who sustained life-altering injuries.
As a delivery driver, Garcia had just accepted a cardboard drink carrier holding numerous hot beverages when a lid detached, spilling extremely hot tea onto his lap and groin. The incident produced considerable tissue damage from third-degree burns, the most serious kind. Garcia was hospitalized and had two genital skin grafts during that month. His attorneys report he experiences ongoing disfigurement, constant pain, and emotional trauma.
What Happened?
On February 8, 2020, Garcia was engaged in delivery driving when he ordered drinks from a Starbucks drive-through. The lawsuit asserts that the tea was provided in a cardboard drink carrier, but one of the lids was not properly fastened. The hot tea poured directly onto his lap and groin region, causing severe third-degree burns.
Mere weeks later, Garcia was required to undergo two skin graft surgeries to his genital area. His attorneys stated that he now lives with irreversible disfigurement and chronic pain.
Garcia was performing delivery work when he purchased Starbucks drive-through drinks on February 8, 2020. The legal claim states he obtained the tea in a cardboard drink holder with a poorly secured cover. Hot tea splashed across his lap and groin, leading to third-degree burns. Garcia needed two genital skin grafts within weeks. His lawyers affirm he has persistent discomfort and lasting disfigurement.
Starbucks Found Liable for Negligence
A Los Angeles County jury held Starbucks accountable for negligence following delivery driver Michael Garcia’s life-altering injuries at a drive-thru in February 2020. Garcia, who was collecting drinks from a Starbucks in Exposition Park, suffered third-degree burns to his groin area after hot tea spilled from a drink carrier due to what his legal team characterized as an improperly secured lid. His attorneys contended that the lid was not correctly attached by the Starbucks employee, and the spill was entirely avoidable. As a consequence of the accident, Garcia underwent two skin graft surgeries and now lives with permanent disfigurement.
Garcia’s attorney, Nick Rowley, declared, “Michael Garcia’s life has been irrevocably altered. No monetary amount can reverse the permanent, catastrophic harm he has experienced, but this jury verdict is a crucial step in holding Starbucks accountable for blatant disregard of customer safety. ” The jury awarded Garcia $50 million in damages, a decision Starbucks intends to appeal. The coffee giant has objected, stating the damages are excessive and denying full responsibility for the incident. Despite offering Garcia a $3 million settlement before the trial, the jury ultimately ruled in favor of Garcia, citing the company’s failure to prioritize customer safety.
Starbucks to Appeal the $50 Million Verdict
Starbucks has declared its intent to appeal the $50 million verdict granted to Michael Garcia by a Los Angeles County jury, following a 2020 incident where he suffered third-degree burns from a hot tea spill at a drive-thru location. In a statement, the company expressed, “We disagree with the jury’s determination that we were at fault for this incident and believe the awarded damages to be excessive.” Garcia’s legal team revealed that Starbucks had previously proposed a $3 million settlement before the trial commenced, which was rejected, prompting them to pursue complete accountability for what they described as preventable, life-altering injuries.
Starbucks will contest the $50 million judgment rendered to Michael Garcia by a Los Angeles County jury in 2020 after a drive-thru tea spill resulted in third-degree burns. According to the corporation, “We do not agree with the jury’s finding that we were to blame for this incident and deem the damages awarded to be excessive.” Garcia’s legal representatives disclosed that Starbucks had tendered a $3 million settlement prior to the trial, which was declined, compelling them to seek comprehensive accountability for avoidable, life-altering injuries.
A Landmark Case for Corporate Accountability?
The $50 million jury award to Michael Garcia is being recognized as a pivotal case for corporate accountability, particularly in the domain of personal injury involving hot beverages. Drawing parallels to the well-known 1994 McDonald’s coffee lawsuit, Garcia’s case surpasses it in both scope and compensation, emphasizing the evolving expectations placed on major corporations to prioritize customer safety. Legal experts perceive this as a strong indication that juries are increasingly unwilling to tolerate negligence, especially when it leads to catastrophic injuries such as the third-degree burns Garcia endured. As Starbucks proceeds with its appeal, the case is already initiating broader discussions about corporate risk management, employee training, and the actual financial consequences of lapses in standard operating procedures. While the appeals process may be protracted, this case is likely to act as a cautionary narrative and benchmark for how companies address safety, liability, and customer care in the future.
For corporate accountability in hot beverage personal injury cases, Michael Garcia’s $50 million jury award is a significant precedent. Similar to the 1994 McDonald’s coffee lawsuit, Garcia’s case extends further in extent and compensation, underscoring the shifting standards for large firms to prioritize customer safety. Lawyers suggest this reveals juries are increasingly reluctant to accept negligence, especially when it causes devastating injuries like Garcia’s third-degree burns. The situation is triggering conversations about corporate risk management, employee training, and the monetary impact of standard operating procedure breaches while Starbucks appeals. This litigation may require considerable time to resolve, but it may serve as a warning for how companies manage safety, responsibility, and customer service.
FAQ’s
What happened to Michael Garcia at Starbucks?
On February 8, 2020, Michael Garcia, a delivery driver, sustained third-degree burns when hot tea spilled on his lap at a Starbucks drive-thru. The tea’s lid was reportedly not adequately secured, causing the beverage to tip and spill onto his groin area.
Why was Starbucks found liable in Michael Garcia’s injury case?
A Los Angeles County jury determined Starbucks was negligent after it was established that a drive-thru employee failed to properly fasten the lid on hot tea, causing it to spill on Michael Garcia and result in severe injury.
Why is Starbucks appealing the $50 million verdict in the Michael Garcia case?
Starbucks is contesting the jury’s decision, stating it disagrees with the finding of fault and considers the $50 million damages to be excessive. The company had previously proposed a $3 million settlement before the trial, which Garcia declined in pursuit of full accountability for his life-altering injuries.
What was Starbucks’ response to the verdict?
Starbucks expressed disagreement with the jury’s determination, labeling the $50 million damages “excessive.” The company plans to appeal the verdict.