A jury in Los Angeles County has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million to a delivery driver who suffered third-degree burns after being spilt hot tea on his lap. Michael Garcia, 41, was picking up an order of drinks from a Starbucks drive-thru when one of the cups spilled into his lap. The spill caused severe burns, disfigurement, and debilitating nerve damage to Garcia’s genitals.
Garcia’s attorney, Nick Rowley, says his client is now permanently discolored and disfigured with reduced length and girth. He is unable to have a complete or sustained erection and experiences pain during sex or masturbation.
Starbucks has called the award “excessive” and plans to appeal. The company claims it takes high safety standards in its stores, including handling hot drinks. However, surveillance footage from the incident shows that the barista did not properly secure one of the cups, causing it to spill into Garcia’s lap.
The jury deliberated for 40 minutes before finding Starbucks liable, and then another two hours to determine the damages, which could increase to $60 million when interest and attorneys fees are added. This verdict has drawn comparisons to a famous 1992 case against McDonald’s, where a woman suffered third-degree burns from spilled hot coffee and was awarded $160,000 in damages.
Source: https://www.courthousenews.com/starbucks-hit-with-50-million-jury-verdict-for-hot-tea-that-scalded-and-disfigured-postmates-drivers-penis