Delivery Driver Awarded $50 Million After Severe Injury from Spilled Hot Tea
March 17, 2025, 12:31 pm CDT
Starbucks will pay $50 million to a delivery driver after he was severely burned by hot tea.
A jury in Los Angeles County has awarded $50 million to Michael Garcia, a Postmates delivery driver, following a severe injury he sustained in 2020 when a hot tea spilled in his lap. The incident occurred while Garcia was picking up several drinks from a Starbucks drive-thru in southwestern Los Angeles County.
Incident Details
According to Garcia’s lawsuit, one of the drinks was not properly secured in its specialized cardboard carrier, leading to the scalding incident. The injuries he endured required immediate medical attention, resulting in two skin grafts on his penis, which remains permanently discolored and disfigured. Additionally, Garcia suffers from chronic pain as a result of the incident.
Legal Proceedings
Garcia’s attorney, Nick Rowley, emphasized the life-altering nature of the injuries, stating, “He’s a different person. This will affect every facet of his life.” Evidence presented during the trial included surveillance footage revealing a barista only secured two of the three cups prior to handing them to Garcia.
Company Response
Jaci Anderson, director of corporate communications for Starbucks, expressed sympathy for Garcia but criticized the jury’s financial decision, declaring the award excessively high. “We plan to appeal,” she stated, reaffirming the company’s commitment to safety, particularly in the handling of hot beverages.
Related Case Precedent
This case brings to mind a landmark situation in 1992 when a jury awarded a 79-year-old woman $2.7 million after she sustained third-degree burns from hot coffee at McDonald’s. Although the amount was later reduced by a judge, it highlights the ongoing concerns regarding serving hot beverages and customer safety.
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