Starbucks Ordered to Pay $50 Million to Delivery Driver Burned by Hot Tea

A California jury found Starbucks negligent after an improperly secured drink spilled, causing severe burns and permanent injuries to a Postmates driver.

Michael Garcia, a Postmates driver, suffered third-degree burns and permanent disfigurement after a hot tea spilled in his lap at a Starbucks drive-thru in Los Angeles in 2020.
The jury awarded Garcia $50 million in damages, citing Starbucks' negligence in failing to properly secure the drink in its carrier.
Garcia underwent multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, and continues to experience lasting physical and psychological effects from the incident.
Starbucks plans to appeal the verdict, arguing that the damages awarded are excessive and denying fault for the incident.
The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile lawsuits over hot beverage burns, including the famous McDonald’s coffee lawsuit from the 1990s.