Starbucks Faces $50 Million Verdict Over Severe Burn Incident
Michael Garcia was awarded $50 million after suffering life-altering injuries from a spilled hot tea at a Starbucks drive-thru in 2020, with the company planning to appeal the decision.
- Michael Garcia, a Postmates driver, sustained severe burns and permanent injuries after a hot tea spilled on him at a Starbucks drive-thru in South Los Angeles in February 2020.
- A Los Angeles County jury awarded Garcia $50 million in damages on March 14, 2025, citing negligence in how the drinks were handled by Starbucks staff.
- Garcia underwent extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts, and claims to have suffered disfigurement and nerve damage as a result of the incident.
- Starbucks has announced plans to appeal the verdict, calling the damages excessive and disputing responsibility for the spill.
- The case has drawn comparisons to the 1992 McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit, highlighting ongoing concerns about hot beverage safety in the food service industry.
RetailWire 
