$50M coffee spill verdict? Starbucks jury decision sparks debate

A California jury has awarded $50 million in damages to a delivery driver who suffered severe burns from a spilled Starbucks drink, reigniting debates over corporate liability and lawsuit payouts.

Michael Garcia, who filed the lawsuit in 2020, was picking up drinks from a Starbucks drive-thru in Los Angeles when an improperly secured lid caused hot beverages to spill onto his lap.

The lawsuit claimed Garcia suffered severe burns, disfigurement, and nerve damage to his genitals, along with emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

His lawyer, Michael Parker, argued Starbucks failed in its duty of care by not properly securing the lid. The jury sided with Garcia, awarding one of the largest personal injury settlements over a hot beverage spill.

Starbucks plans to appeal. “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,” a company spokesperson said.

The case draws comparisons to the 1994 McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit, in which a woman was initially awarded $3 million after suffering third-degree burns. Some see such verdicts as holding corporations accountable, while others argue payouts like Garcia’s stretch the limits of reasonable compensation.