Starbucks ordered to pay $50 million for driver burn injury

A Los Angeles jury has awarded delivery driver Michael Garcia $50 million after he suffered severe burns from a hot tea spill at a Starbucks drive-thru due to an improperly secured lid. Garcia, who was picking up three hot drinks, sustained third-degree burns to his genital area when one of the cups fell onto his lap, leading to a lawsuit that accused Starbucks of breaching its duty of care. The jury found Starbucks 100% liable, and the damages awarded reflect the physical and emotional suffering Garcia experienced. Starbucks has announced plans to appeal the verdict, contending they are not at fault and that the awarded damages are excessive. This case raises significant concerns about beverage safety within the fast-food industry and echoes past high-profile burn injury lawsuits. Experts testified that Garcia could not have avoided his injuries, underscoring the incident's severity.