Starbucks Ordered to Pay $50 Million to Driver Burned by Hot Drink

A California jury found Starbucks negligent after a delivery driver suffered severe burns from an improperly secured hot beverage in 2020.

Michael Garcia, a delivery driver, sustained third-degree burns and permanent disfigurement after a hot drink spilled on his lap at a Los Angeles Starbucks drive-through in February 2020.
The jury awarded Garcia $50 million in damages, citing physical pain, mental distress, and long-term impairment caused by the incident.
Garcia's attorneys argued that Starbucks failed to ensure the safety of its customers by not properly securing the lid of the hot drink in the beverage carrier.
Starbucks had previously offered to settle the case for up to $30 million, but Garcia insisted on additional measures, including an apology and policy changes, which Starbucks declined.
The company plans to appeal the verdict, maintaining that the damages awarded are excessive and asserting its commitment to safety standards.