CA man wins 50M in lawsuit over burns from Starbucks tea

A California jury awarded $50 million to delivery driver Michael Garcia after he suffered severe burns from a spilled Starbucks tea at a drive-through on February 8, 2020. Garcia underwent multiple medical procedures, including skin grafts, due to the injuries sustained when the venti-sized drink spilled in his lap. His negligence lawsuit argued that a Starbucks employee inadequately secured the hot beverage in a takeout tray, which led to the incident. The jury's decision reflects a growing trend of accountability for food and beverage establishments regarding customer safety. Starbucks responded with a statement expressing sympathy for Garcia but criticized the jury's verdict, asserting that the damages awarded were excessive.

The company plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in handling hot drinks. This case is reminiscent of past high-profile lawsuits against restaurants over customer burns, illustrating the legal complexities surrounding such incidents. As public awareness of safety issues grows, the implications of this ruling could influence how restaurants handle hot beverages in the future.