Islamabad, Mar 17, 2025: A California jury ruled on Friday that Starbucks must compensate a delivery driver with $50 million in damages after suffering severe burns from a hot beverage due to an improperly fastened lid.
Michael Garcia, the injured driver, was collecting an order from a Los Angeles drive-thru when scalding drinks spilled onto his lap.
According to the lawsuit filed in 2020 in California Superior Court, the incident caused significant burns, nerve damage, and lasting disfigurement.
The legal complaint alleged that Starbucks failed to uphold its responsibility by not securing the lid properly.
Garcia’s attorney, Michael Parker, explained that his client was receiving three drinks when one, which had not been securely placed in the carrier, tipped over.
As the barista passed the order, the cup dislodged and spilled, causing Garcia excruciating injuries.
The damages he suffered included physical agony, emotional trauma, permanent scarring, and loss of quality of life.
Courtroom View Network’s records highlighted additional repercussions such as distress, embarrassment, and psychological suffering.
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Starbucks has announced its intent to challenge the ruling.
“We empathize with Mr. Garcia but respectfully disagree with the jury’s conclusion that Starbucks was responsible.
Furthermore, we consider the awarded amount to be excessive,” a company spokesperson stated. “Our stores always prioritize safety, especially in handling hot beverages.”
This case echoes the widely known 1994 lawsuit against McDonald’s, in which Stella Liebeck was awarded nearly $3 million after sustaining third-degree burns from a spilled cup of hot coffee.
