A California man was recently awarded $50 million in a lawsuit after sustaining severe burns from a Starbucks tea that spilled in his lap at a drive-through in 2020.
Driving the news: Michael Garcia underwent skin grafts and other procedures on his genitals due to the burns, resulting in permanent and life-changing disfigurement.
- The lawsuit asserted negligence on the part of Starbucks, claiming that an employee did not properly secure the scalding-hot tea in a takeout tray.
What they’re saying: “This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility,” said Nick Rowley, an attorney for Garcia.
- Starbucks said it plans to appeal the decision.
- “We disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive,” Starbucks said.
Flashback: This case is not the first of its kind involving customer burns at establishments. A well-known incident from the 1990s involved a woman receiving damages from McDonald’s after suffering burns from hot coffee.
- While some cases result in substantial awards to plaintiffs, others, like a 1990s incident in Iowa where a child was burned by McDonald’s coffee, have seen juries siding with the restaurants.
