Coffee Giant Calls the Verdict ‘Excessive’ and Plans to Appeal
After a Starbucks employee reportedly handed a delivery driver poorly packaged hot tea, a Los Angeles jury has awarded $50 million in damages to the delivery driver, who suffered horrific burns.
Announced on March 14, the ruling results from a lawsuit resulting from a February 2020 incident at a West Adams Starbucks at Western Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard.
What Actually Happened
Court records the Los Angeles Times examined indicate that Michael Garcia, the victim, received two hot teas in beverage containers when the beverages fell over his lap. Garcia said that improper lid security by the barista resulted in severe burns that required several surgeries.
Garcia had severe burns to his groin area, so the injuries were regarded as catastrophic. According to reports, he had several rounds of skin grafts, surgeries, and continuous medical care, which left him permanently disfigured and with pain and sexual dysfunction, among other consequences.
Settlement Talks Collapsed Before Trial
Starbucks tried to resolve the matter before the trial, first paying Garcia $3 million then rising the sum to $30 million. Garcia insisted on two conditions, though: a formal apology from Starbucks and a promise to modify store rules to guarantee hot beverages are safely wrapped before they are delivered to consumers. The matter went to trial once Starbucks turned down to accept these conditions.
Starbucks Pushes Back, Plans to Appeal
Following the jury’s decision, Starbucks swiftly announced its intention to appeal. In a statement to The New York Times, the company said, “We disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive.”
A Case Reminiscent of the Infamous McDonald’s Coffee Lawsuit
Garcia’s story has been compared to the well reported 1992 lawsuit against McDonald’s in which 79-year-old Stella Liebeck spilled a cup of coffee on her lap at a drive-through and received third-degree burns. Liebeck started off with $200,000 in compensatory damages, then dropped to $160,000.
As Starbucks prepares its appeal, this case raises renewed discussions about corporate responsibility, food safety, and customer protection.
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