A California jury has recently imposed a hefty $50 million fine on Starbucks following an incident where a delivery driver was severely burned by a scalding cup of hot tea at a store in Los Angeles.

Incident Details

The plaintiff, Michael Garcia, alleged that he was picking up three drinks back in 2020 when one of the cups was “negligently” unsecured, leading to a spill that burned him. As a result of the incident, Garcia claimed he experienced “severe burns, disfigurement, and debilitating nerve damage” to his genital area, which required emergency room treatment.

Legal Representation’s Statement

According to Garcia’s attorney, Nick Rowley, the case highlights significant safety concerns. “Michael Garcia’s life has been forever changed,” Rowley stated. “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.”

Starbucks’ Response

In response to the jury’s decision, Starbucks announced plans to appeal the verdict. Company spokesperson Jaci Anderson expressed sympathy for Garcia but disagreed with the jury’s ruling, claiming that the damages awarded were excessive. “We have always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot drinks,” she noted.