A jury in California has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million in damages to a customer who sustained third-degree burns after a hot tea spill at a drive-through. The plaintiff, Michael Garcia, suffered severe injuries to his groin, inner thighs, and penis after the incident in February 2020, which led to multiple hospitalisations and skin graft procedures.
Garcia’s lawyers argued that the Starbucks employee failed to properly secure one of the three large drinks in the cardboard cupholder before handing it to him. As he took the tray, the tea tipped over, causing life-altering burns and psychological distress. Despite initially denying liability, Starbucks had previously offered a $30 million settlement but refused to issue a public apology or adjust its policies, prompting the case to proceed to trial.
Following the verdict, Garcia’s legal team criticised Starbucks for five years of “victim-blaming” and for avoiding responsibility. The final payout could exceed $60 million when interest, legal fees, and costs are factored in.
Starbucks has since announced its intention to appeal the ruling, with corporate spokesperson Jaci Anderson stating: “We sympathise with Mr. Garcia, but we disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive.”
The case draws comparisons to the 1994 lawsuit against McDonald’s, where a jury awarded $2.8 million to an elderly woman who suffered burns from spilled coffee. While that case became a symbol of US tort reform and was frequently ridiculed, Garcia’s legal team emphasised the seriousness of his injuries and the lasting impact on his life.
