Jury Awards $50 Million to California Man Over Starbucks Burns

The aftermath of a hot drink spill at a coffee shop drive-through

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News Summary

A jury has awarded $50 million to Michael Garcia, who sustained severe burns from a hot drink spill at Starbucks. The incident, which caused extensive injuries and ongoing pain, raises questions about customer safety practices at the coffee chain. Starbucks plans to appeal the decision, asserting that they are not at fault and labeling the damages excessive. This case highlights the need for accountability regarding safety in the food service industry.

Jury Awards $50 Million to California Man After Starbucks Hot Drink Spill Causes Life-Altering Burns

A jury has awarded a whopping $50 million to a man who faced unimaginable pain due to a hot drink spill from Starbucks. Michael Garcia, a Postmates driver, suffered severe burns during the incident which took place on February 8, 2020. Garcia had swung by a Starbucks drive-through, craving some venti-sized “medicine ball” hot teas, when things took a disastrous turn.

The Incident: A Scalding Surprise

When Garcia ordered three of those lovely hot teas, one of the baristas apparently didn’t secure one drink in the tray. This tiny misstep had giant consequences. As soon as Garcia picked it up, that unsecured drink spilled into his lap in a mere 1.4 seconds, resulting in horrifying third-degree burns that would change his life forever.

Life-Altering Burns and Ongoing Pain

The injuries Garcia sustained were nothing short of catastrophic. Along with suffering genital burns, he also faced nerve damage and permanent disfigurement. Since that fateful day, he has endured multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, fighting a relentless battle with everyday pain and even PTSD. This ordeal highlights just how serious a simple cup of coffee can become.

Holding Starbucks Accountable

Garcia’s attorney pointed out that the jury’s decision is a pivotal step toward holding Starbucks accountable for their apparent negligence and poor customer safety practices. After approximately 40 minutes of discussion, the jury returned with their verdict in favor of Garcia. Interestingly, there was some disagreement among the jurors, with three feeling that the damages awarded should more accurately reflect the severity of the incident at a staggering $125 million.

Starbucks Responds: They’re Not at Fault

On the flip side, Starbucks has made it clear that they plan to appeal the jury’s ruling. They argue that they aren’t at fault for the incident and label the damages as excessive. The company maintains that they adhere to high safety standards regarding hot drinks. They believe Garcia did not exercise ordinary care, suggesting he played a role in the mishap.

A Missed Settlement Opportunity

Before the trial proceedings, Starbucks extended several settlement offers to Garcia, starting at $3 million and eventually rising to $30 million. However, Garcia refused these offers, insisting on a public apology and changes in their safety policies as part of any agreement.

Glimpse into the Bigger Picture

This incident is not an isolated case. It brings back memories of other legal actions against Starbucks and similar companies that have faced scrutiny for injuries caused by hot beverages. The case stirs up conversations around safety and public responsibility, particularly surrounding how businesses handle potentially dangerous products like hot drinks.

The Road Ahead

As the appeal process unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Starbucks responds to this landmark verdict. For Michael Garcia, the fight continues—not just for his health but also for accountability within the food service industry. The hope is that this case will help bring about significant changes in customer safety practices across the board, ensuring that another driver doesn’t have to endure a similar horror in the future.