“Multiple skin grafts, five years of pain”—Starbucks ordered to pay $50M to California burn victim

Los Angeles, California – A Los Angeles County jury has awarded a delivery driver $50 million in damages after a Starbucks drink spilled in his lap, causing severe burns. Michael Garcia suffered life-altering injuries when a venti-sized hot tea spilled on him at a California drive-through on February 8, 2020, according to court records.

Garcia, who was picking up three venti-sized “Medicine Ball” hot teas, sustained burns that required hospitalization, multiple skin grafts, and other medical procedures. The off-menu item, a popular concoction of steamed lemonade, hot water, Jade Citrus Mint green tea, Peach Tranquility tea, and honey, is known for its high temperature.

“After a hospitalization and multiple skin grafts, Michael has lived for five years with the disfigurement, pain, dysfunction and psychological harm caused by the burns,” his attorneys stated in an Instagram post. They described Garcia’s injuries as “permanent and life-changing.”

The lawsuit alleged that a Starbucks employee failed to properly secure the scalding-hot tea in a takeout tray, leading to the spill. Garcia’s attorneys revealed that Starbucks had offered a $30 million settlement, but with a condition of confidentiality. “Starbucks offered $30m to settle but wanted confidentiality. We said we would settle for $30m without confidentiality and only if Starbucks agreed to publicly apologize and promise to change policy to prevent this from happening again,” they explained.

Nick Rowley, one of Garcia’s attorneys, emphasized the importance of the jury’s verdict. “This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility,” Rowley said in a statement. Garcia’s other attorney praised their client’s bravery stating, “We are proud of Michael for standing up for himself and having the courage to tell his story.”

Despite the jury’s decision, Starbucks expressed sympathy for Garcia but announced plans to appeal the verdict. “We disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive,” the Seattle-based coffee giant said in a statement. They also reiterated their commitment to “the highest safety standards” in handling hot beverages.

This case is similar to previous lawsuits against US eateries over customer burns. Notably, a 1990s case involved a woman who received nearly $3 million from a New Mexico jury after suffering burns from a McDonald’s coffee spill. Although that award was later reduced, it showed the potential liability of restaurants in such incidents. Conversely, juries have also sided with restaurants in similar cases, such as a 1990s Iowa case where a child spilled coffee on himself.