This man is set to receive $50M from Starbucks–but not for a good reason.
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In a world where grabbing a coffee or tea is a common part of daily life, many people may not think about the unexpected risks that can come with everyday routines.
But for one California man, a routine coffee run turned into a life-altering event, culminating in a staggering $50 million jury verdict against coffee giant Starbucks.
What happened to this man and why is he receiving that big sum?
Michael Garcia, a delivery driver for Postmates, experienced a nightmare scenario on February 8, 2020, at a Los Angeles Starbucks drive-thru.
While picking up an order of three venti “medicine ball” teas, a seemingly innocent handoff led to disaster.
As the cardboard carrier was passed through the window, one of the cups toppled into Garcia's lap, the lid popping off and unleashing scalding hot tea onto his skin.
The spill caused third-degree burns to Garcia's penis, groin, and inner thighs—areas of the body where skin is particularly sensitive.
The severity of the burns required two skin graft surgeries at the Grossman Burn Center, and the damage was such that any friction now causes Garcia pain, leading to permanent disfigurement and a lifetime of discomfort.
Source: @NBCNews / Youtube.
Garcia's legal team, led by attorney Nick Rowley, argued that the Starbucks employee had failed to secure the drink properly in the carrier, a lapse that had catastrophic consequences.
Nick Rowley, Garcia’s attorney, stated in a press release that his client’s “life has been forever changed” by the accident, prompting legal action.
The jury sided with Garcia, finding Starbucks negligent and awarding him $50 million in damages.
Rowley's statement emphasized that while no sum could reverse the harm done, the verdict was a crucial step in holding Starbucks accountable for its “flagrant disregard for customer safety.”
Source: KCAL News / Youtube.
Starbucks, on the other hand, expressed sympathy for Garcia but disagreed with the jury's decision, deeming the damages excessive and announcing plans to appeal. The company maintained that it has “always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores.”
“We sympathize 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,” Starbucks said in a statement.
This case inevitably draws parallels to the infamous 1992 McDonald's coffee lawsuit, where 79-year-old Stella Liebeck suffered third-degree burns after a coffee spill.
Liebeck's case, often mischaracterized as frivolous, highlighted McDonald's policy of serving coffee at temperatures between 180 and 190 degrees—far hotter than other establishments.
Source: The New York Times / Youtube.
Despite over 700 reported burn incidents, McDonald's had not altered its practices. Liebeck initially sought only to cover her medical expenses, resorting to legal action when McDonald's refused.
Although she was awarded $2.7 million in punitive damages, the amount was later reduced by a judge, and the case settled for an undisclosed sum.
Read next: Unlock the secret to optimal health: Discover which tea can transform your well-being
Have you or someone you know ever experienced a similar incident? How do you feel about the verdicts in these cases? Do you believe fast-food chains are doing enough to ensure customer safety? Share your stories, opinions, and questions in the comments below!
But for one California man, a routine coffee run turned into a life-altering event, culminating in a staggering $50 million jury verdict against coffee giant Starbucks.
What happened to this man and why is he receiving that big sum?
Michael Garcia, a delivery driver for Postmates, experienced a nightmare scenario on February 8, 2020, at a Los Angeles Starbucks drive-thru.
While picking up an order of three venti “medicine ball” teas, a seemingly innocent handoff led to disaster.
As the cardboard carrier was passed through the window, one of the cups toppled into Garcia's lap, the lid popping off and unleashing scalding hot tea onto his skin.
A California delivery driver was awarded $50 million in damages for permanent disfigurement caused by a hot tea accident at a Starbucks drive-thru. Image source: KCAL News / Youtube.
The spill caused third-degree burns to Garcia's penis, groin, and inner thighs—areas of the body where skin is particularly sensitive.
The severity of the burns required two skin graft surgeries at the Grossman Burn Center, and the damage was such that any friction now causes Garcia pain, leading to permanent disfigurement and a lifetime of discomfort.
Source: @NBCNews / Youtube.
Garcia's legal team, led by attorney Nick Rowley, argued that the Starbucks employee had failed to secure the drink properly in the carrier, a lapse that had catastrophic consequences.
Nick Rowley, Garcia’s attorney, stated in a press release that his client’s “life has been forever changed” by the accident, prompting legal action.
The jury sided with Garcia, finding Starbucks negligent and awarding him $50 million in damages.
Rowley's statement emphasized that while no sum could reverse the harm done, the verdict was a crucial step in holding Starbucks accountable for its “flagrant disregard for customer safety.”
Source: KCAL News / Youtube.
Starbucks, on the other hand, expressed sympathy for Garcia but disagreed with the jury's decision, deeming the damages excessive and announcing plans to appeal. The company maintained that it has “always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores.”
“We sympathize 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,” Starbucks said in a statement.
This case inevitably draws parallels to the infamous 1992 McDonald's coffee lawsuit, where 79-year-old Stella Liebeck suffered third-degree burns after a coffee spill.
Liebeck's case, often mischaracterized as frivolous, highlighted McDonald's policy of serving coffee at temperatures between 180 and 190 degrees—far hotter than other establishments.
Source: The New York Times / Youtube.
Despite over 700 reported burn incidents, McDonald's had not altered its practices. Liebeck initially sought only to cover her medical expenses, resorting to legal action when McDonald's refused.
Although she was awarded $2.7 million in punitive damages, the amount was later reduced by a judge, and the case settled for an undisclosed sum.
Read next: Unlock the secret to optimal health: Discover which tea can transform your well-being
Have you or someone you know ever experienced a similar incident? How do you feel about the verdicts in these cases? Do you believe fast-food chains are doing enough to ensure customer safety? Share your stories, opinions, and questions in the comments below!
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