Starbucks Ordered to Pay $50 Million in Hot Coffee Lawsuit
Los Angeles, CA – In a major legal blow to the coffee giant, a California jury has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million in damages to a delivery driver who suffered severe burns due to an improperly secured lid on a hot beverage.
The plaintiff, Michael Garcia, filed a lawsuit in 2020 in California Superior Court, alleging that Starbucks failed to ensure the safety of its products. According to court records, Garcia was picking up multiple drinks from a Starbucks drive-through in Los Angeles when one of the beverages, improperly placed in a tray, spilled onto his lap. The resulting injuries included severe burns, nerve damage, and permanent disfigurement to his genitals. The jury’s verdict highlighted the extensive physical and psychological suffering Garcia endured, including pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Michael Parker, Garcia’s attorney, emphasized the preventable nature of the incident, stating that the improper securing of the drink lid directly contributed to the injuries. “This was a failure in basic safety procedures,” Parker said. “No customer should have to suffer life-altering injuries from a simple coffee order.”
In response to the verdict, Starbucks issued a statement expressing sympathy for Garcia but firmly rejecting the jury’s decision. “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 Starbucks spokesperson said. The company has announced plans to appeal.
This case bears striking similarities to the infamous 1994 McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit, in which plaintiff Stella Liebeck suffered third-degree burns and was initially awarded nearly $3 million. That case became a focal point in discussions about corporate responsibility and consumer protection, as well as a cautionary tale for companies handling hot beverages.
Legal experts believe the Starbucks case could set a precedent for future liability claims against large food and beverage corporations. “This verdict reinforces the principle that businesses have a duty of care to ensure customer safety,” said consumer rights attorney James Franklin. “It’s not just about securing lids; it’s about enforcing stringent safety measures at every level.”
As Starbucks prepares for its appeal, the case raises broader questions about corporate accountability and the responsibility of food service providers in preventing customer injuries. Whether the coffee chain can overturn the ruling remains to be seen, but for now, the verdict stands as a stark warning to businesses about the cost of negligence in consumer safety.
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Starbucks Ordered to Pay $50 Million in Hot Coffee Lawsuit