A California jury has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million (around Rs 434.78 crore) in damages to a Los Angeles delivery driver who suffered severe burns after a cup of hot tea spilled onto his lap at a drive-through in February 2020. The plaintiff, Michael Garcia, was working as a delivery driver for Postmates when he visited a Starbucks outlet in Los Angeles to collect an order of three venti-size hot beverages.
Garcia's legal team stated that a barista at the drive-through window did not properly secure one of the drinks, resulting in it spilling onto his lap. The complaint alleged that the company "negligently, carelessly, and recklessly served" the beverages without properly fastening the lids. The incident, which was captured on store surveillance footage, left him writhing in pain as he drove away.
Garcia, who was 25 years old at the time, sustained third-degree burns on his groin, inner thighs and genital area. He required multiple skin grafts and other medical treatments following the accident. His lawyers said that Starbucks had been negligent in ensuring the safety of its customers by improperly securing the lids of hot beverages.
According to a report in the New York Times, Nick Rowley, one of Garcia's attorneys, said in a statement, “This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility."
The lawsuit detailed the lasting impact of the burns. It said that Garcia has endured five years of physical pain, psychological trauma and permanent disfigurement. The jury's decision factored in compensation for his suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life and ongoing medical concerns.
A California delivery driver has been awarded 50 million dollars in damages from Starbucks after a hot drink fell from a takeaway container onto his lap at a drive-through. pic.twitter.com/UKSicrdgfW
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Starbucks has pushed back against the ruling and intends to challenge the verdict.
“We disagree with the jury's decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive. We have always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot drinks,” said Jaci Anderson, Starbucks' director of corporate communications, in a statement, according to the NYT report.
Garcia's legal representatives expect the total payout to exceed $60 million once interest, attorneys' fees, and legal costs are factored in.
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