Starbucks ordered to pay $50 million after severe burns to delivery driver

A California jury has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million to Michael Garcia, a delivery driver who suffered severe burns from a spilled hot tea due to an improperly secured lid. The incident occurred in February 2020 when one of the drinks tipped over, causing third-degree burns to his genital area and leading to multiple hospitalizations and skin grafts. Garcia's legal team argued that Starbucks demonstrated a 'flagrant disregard for customer safety' and failed to accept responsibility for the incident. Starbucks has expressed sympathy for Garcia but plans to appeal the jury's decision, claiming the damages awarded are excessive. This case has ignited discussions about corporate accountability and consumer safety, drawing comparisons to the infamous McDonald's coffee lawsuit from 1994. The ruling may set a concerning precedent for future lawsuits against businesses regarding product safety.