Starbucks Ordered to Pay $50M to Driver Burned by Hot Tea

A California jury found Starbucks negligent after a delivery driver suffered severe burns from an improperly secured drink in 2020.

Michael Garcia, a Postmates driver, was awarded $50 million after a hot tea spilled on his lap, causing third-degree burns and permanent injuries.
The incident occurred at a Los Angeles Starbucks drive-through in February 2020, when a barista failed to properly secure the lid of a venti-sized drink in a tray.
Garcia's injuries required multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, and resulted in lasting disfigurement and nerve damage to his groin area.
Starbucks plans to appeal the verdict, stating it disagrees with the jury's decision and considers the damages awarded to be excessive.
The case recalls other high-profile lawsuits over hot beverage burns, including a 1994 McDonald’s coffee case that initially awarded $3 million in damages.