Starbucks ordered to pay $50 million to delivery driver burned by hot coffee

(CLO) A jury in the state of California (USA) has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million in compensation to Michael Garcia, a delivery driver who was severely burned by an improperly placed lid on a hot drink.

Garcia, a Los Angeles resident, went to the Starbucks at Jefferson Boulevard and Western Avenue to buy three cups of hot tea. According to Garcia’s attorney, a barista at the window accidentally failed to properly place one of the drinks, which was over 180 degrees Fahrenheit, into a container.

According to a lawsuit filed in California Superior Court in 2020, one of the hot drinks fell out of its container and spilled on Garcia's thigh, causing severe burns, disfigurement, and severe nerve damage to her genitals.

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Garcia's attorney, Michael Parker, said the bartender failed to properly cap the drink, leading to the incident. Garcia's damages include physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement and prolonged anxiety.

Starbucks said it would appeal the verdict. "We are very sorry for Mr. Garcia, but disagree with the jury's finding that we were liable for this incident and believe the award is excessive," said Starbucks spokeswoman Jaci Anderson. "We remain committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot beverages."

The case is reminiscent of the famous 1994 lawsuit against McDonald's, where a woman suffered third-degree burns from spilling hot coffee and was awarded nearly $3 million in damages.

Ha Trang (according to CNN, Los Angeles Daily News)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/starbucks-bi-yeu-cau-boi-thuong-50-trieu-usd-cho-tai-xe-giao-hang-bi-bong-vi-ca-phe-nong-post338644.html