In February 2020, Michael Garcia, a delivery driver, suffered severe burns when a hot tea spilled on his lap at a Starbucks drive-thru in Los Angeles. This incident led to a lawsuit against Starbucks, culminating in a $50 million jury verdict in March 2025. cbsnews.com+9apnews.com+9lavocedinewyork.com+9kyma.com
The Incident: A Routine Pickup Turns Catastrophic
On February 8, 2020, Garcia visited a Starbucks drive-thru in Los Angeles to pick up beverages. A barista handed him a tray containing a venti-sized hot tea. According to the lawsuit, the tea was not securely placed in the tray, causing it to spill onto Garcia’s lap as he attempted to take it. The scalding liquid resulted in third-degree burns and permanent damage to his genital area, necessitating skin grafts and other medical procedures. apnews.com+1people.com+1apnews.com+2foxnews.com+2kyma.com+2nypost.com+5people.com+5apnews.com+5
Legal Proceedings: Allegations and Defense
Garcia filed a lawsuit against Starbucks, alleging negligence in securing the hot beverage, which led to his injuries. His attorneys argued that the company’s failure to ensure the drink was safely placed in the tray constituted a breach of duty of care owed to customers. youtube.com+7apnews.com+7nypost.com+7
Starbucks, on the other hand, contended that Garcia’s own actions contributed to the spill. The company maintained that it adheres to high safety standards in handling hot beverages and disagreed with the jury’s decision, labeling the damages awarded as excessive. Starbucks has announced plans to appeal the verdict. people.com+5foxnews.com+5lavocedinewyork.com+5
The Verdict: A Landmark Decision
After deliberations, a Los Angeles County jury awarded Garcia $50 million in damages. This substantial verdict underscores the jury’s stance on corporate responsibility and customer safety. Garcia’s attorney emphasized that the injuries had profoundly affected his client’s life, highlighting the importance of holding corporations accountable for consumer safety. apnews.com+3foxnews.com+3apnews.com+3apnews.com+6people.com+6nypost.com+6
Comparative Cases: A History of Hot Beverage Lawsuits
This case draws parallels to the 1994 lawsuit against McDonald’s, where Stella Liebeck suffered third-degree burns from spilled coffee and was initially awarded $2.7 million in punitive damages, later reduced to $480,000. The Starbucks verdict, however, is significantly higher, reflecting a potential shift in jury perspectives regarding corporate accountability and consumer protection. lavocedinewyork.com
Implications for Corporate Practices and Consumer Safety
The $50 million verdict against Starbucks may prompt corporations to re-evaluate their safety protocols, especially concerning the handling of hot beverages. Ensuring that drinks are securely placed in carriers and providing adequate warnings about potential hazards could become standard practices to mitigate risks and prevent similar incidents.nypost.com+2kyma.com+2lavocedinewyork.com+2people.com+1kyma.com+1
The substantial verdict in favor of Michael Garcia serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in the food and beverage industry. As Starbucks plans to appeal, the case continues to shed light on corporate responsibility and the legal system’s role in protecting consumers from preventable harm.
