Michael Garcia, a delivery worker based in Los Angeles, was awarded $50 million in damages by a Los Angeles County jury after sustaining life-altering injuries from a hot tea spill at a Starbucks drive-thru in Exposition Park on February 8, 2020. Garcia, who was on the job as a delivery driver that day, had just received a cardboard drink carrier containing multiple hot beverages when one of the lids came loose, causing a scalding tea to spill directly onto his lap and groin area. The incident resulted in third-degree burns, among the most severe types of burn injuries, causing extensive tissue damage. Garcia was rushed for medical treatment and had to undergo two skin graft surgeries on his genital area later that month. According to his attorneys, he continues to suffer from permanent disfigurement, chronic pain, and emotional trauma.
After a hot tea accident at a Starbucks drive-thru at Exposition Park on February 8, 2020, a Los Angeles County jury awarded $50 million to Los Angeles delivery worker Michael Garcia, who suffered life-altering injuries. As a delivery driver, Garcia had just received a cardboard drink carrier with many hot beverages when one of the lids broke free, spilling scorching tea on his lap and groin. The incident caused considerable tissue damage from third-degree burns, the most serious sort. Garcia was brought to the hospital and had two genital skin grafts later that month. His attorneys say he has lasting disfigurement, constant pain, and emotional distress.
What Happened?
On February 8, 2020, Garcia was working as a delivery driver when he ordered drinks from a Starbucks drive-through. According to the lawsuit, the tea was handed to him in a cardboard drink carrier, but one of the lids was not properly secured. The hot tea spilled directly onto his lap and groin area, causing severe third-degree burns.
Just weeks later, Garcia had to undergo two skin graft surgeries to his genital region. His attorneys said he now lives with permanent disfigurement and chronic pain.
Garcia was a delivery driver when he ordered Starbucks drive-through drinks on February 8, 2020. The lawsuit claims he received the tea in a cardboard drink case with an insecure cover. Hot tea splashed across his lap and groin, causing third-degree burns. Garcia needed two genital skin grafts weeks later. His lawyers stated he has constant discomfort and irreversible disfigurement.
Starbucks Found Liable for Negligence
A Los Angeles County jury found Starbucks liable for negligence after delivery driver Michael Garcia suffered life-altering injuries at a drive-thru in February 2020. Garcia, who was picking up drinks from a Starbucks in Exposition Park, endured third-degree burns to his groin area after a hot tea spilled from a drink carrier due to what his legal team described as an improperly secured lid. His attorneys argued that the lid had not been fastened correctly by the Starbucks employee, and that the spill was entirely preventable. As a result of the accident, Garcia underwent two skin graft surgeries and now lives with permanent disfigurement.
Garcia’s attorney, Nick Rowley, stated, “Michael Garcia’s life has been forever changed. No amount of money can undo the permanent catastrophic harm he has suffered, but this jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety.” The jury awarded Garcia $50 million in damages, a decision Starbucks plans to appeal. The coffee giant has pushed back, claiming the damages are excessive and denying full responsibility for the incident. Despite offering Garcia a $3 million settlement before trial, the jury ultimately sided with Garcia, citing the company’s failure to prioritize customer safety.
Starbucks to Appeal the $50 Million Verdict
Starbucks has announced its intention to appeal the $50 million verdict awarded to Michael Garcia by a Los Angeles County jury, following a 2020 incident in which he suffered third-degree burns from a hot tea spill at a drive-thru location. In a statement, the company said, “We disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive.” Garcia’s legal team disclosed that Starbucks had previously offered a $3 million settlement before the trial began, which was declined, prompting them to pursue full accountability for what they described as preventable, life-altering injuries.
Starbucks will appeal the $50 million decision handed to Michael Garcia by a Los Angeles County jury in 2020 after a drive-thru tea spill caused third-degree burns. According to the corporation, “We disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive.” Garcia’s lawyers revealed that Starbucks had offered a $3 million settlement before the trial, which was rejected, forcing them to seek full accountability for preventable, life-altering injuries.
A Landmark Case for Corporate Accountability?
The $50 million jury award to Michael Garcia is being hailed as a landmark case for corporate accountability, especially in the realm of personal injury involving hot beverages. Drawing comparisons to the iconic 1994 McDonald’s coffee lawsuit, Garcia’s case goes further in both scope and compensation, underscoring the evolving expectations placed on major corporations to prioritize customer safety. Legal experts view this as a strong signal that juries are increasingly unwilling to tolerate negligence, particularly when it results in catastrophic injuries like the third-degree burns Garcia sustained. As Starbucks moves forward with its appeal, the case is already prompting wider discussions about corporate risk management, employee training, and the real financial consequences of lapses in standard operating procedures. While the appeals process may stretch on, this case is likely to serve as a cautionary tale and benchmark for how companies handle safety, liability, and customer care in the future.
For corporate accountability in hot beverage personal injury cases, Michael Garcia’s $50 million jury award is a landmark. Garcia’s case, like the 1994 McDonald’s coffee lawsuit, goes further in breadth and compensation, highlighting the changing norms for huge firms to prioritize customer safety. Lawyers say this shows juries are increasingly hesitant to tolerate negligence, especially when it causes devastating injuries like Garcia’s third-degree burns. The issue is sparking discussions about corporate risk management, employee training, and the financial impact of standard operating procedure violations while Starbucks appeals. This lawsuit may take a long time to resolve, but it may serve as a warning for how firms handle safety, responsibility, and customer care.
FAQ’s
What happened to Michael Garcia at Starbucks?
On February 8, 2020, Michael Garcia, a delivery driver, suffered third-degree burns when a hot tea spilled on his lap at a Starbucks drive-thru. The lid on the tea was allegedly not properly secured, causing the drink to tip and spill onto his groin area.
Why was Starbucks found liable in Michael Garcia’s injury case?
A Los Angeles County jury found Starbucks negligent after it was determined that a drive-thru employee failed to properly secure the lid on a hot tea, causing it to spill on Michael Garcia and result in serious injury.
Why is Starbucks appealing the $50 million verdict in the Michael Garcia case?
Starbucks is appealing the jury’s decision, claiming it disagrees with the finding of fault and considers the $50 million damages excessive. The company had previously offered a $3 million settlement before trial, which Garcia declined in pursuit of full accountability for his life-changing injuries.
What was Starbucks’ response to the verdict?
Starbucks disagreed with the jury’s decision, calling the $50 million damages “excessive.” The company plans to appeal the verdict.
