Starbucks has been ordered to pay a customer $50 million after they suffered life-changing injuries at a California drive-through.
Delivery driver Michael Garcia visited the coffee giant on February 8, 2020, and ordered a takeout tray of venti-sized Medicine Ball tea drinks.
One of the drinks fell on the man’s lap, causing third-degree burns to his p**is, groin, and inner thighs.
These injuries lead to ‘hospitalization and multiple skin grafts,’ his attorney says.
Garcia sued Starbucks and a Los Angeles County judge ruled in his favor, finding the employee had not wedged the piping hot drink into the takeout tray securely enough before handing it over to the customer.
The jury awarded the man, who has suffered permanent and life-changing injuries, as per his attorney, $50 million.
Garcia’s attorney, Nick Rowley, stated following the verdict: “This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility.”
Although Starbucks has expressed sympathy towards Garcia, the coffee chain reportedly plans to appeal the verdict.
“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. “We have always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot drinks.”
Video footage from inside the drive-through shows the intense moment Garcia is handed the drinks.
Seconds after he takes one, the tea tips and spills all over him, resulting in him screaming in agony.
As Garcia drives away, the drive-through’s barista looks on in shock.
The Starbucks customer suffers PTSD from the incident, according to evidence submitted during the trial.
It was also revealed that Garcia was left with permanent disfigurement and discoloration on his p**is. He had to undergo skin grafts and other procedures on his g**itals.
“Michael Garcia’s life has been forever changed,” Rowley said. “No amount of money can undo the permanent catastrophic harm he has suffered.”
Starbucks had reportedly tried to settle with Garcia before the trial.
It’s believed the coffee chain originally offered $3 million, later increasing the amount to $30 million to settle, per ITVX.
Garcia reportedly agreed but only under the condition Starbucks apologized, changed policies, and issued a memo to all store locations to double-check their hot drinks before being given to customers.
As the chain declined to agree to such terms, the jury ultimately awarded Garcia $50 million.
