A California jury has awarded $50 million (£38.6m) in damages to a delivery driver who suffered third-degree burns after a scalding-hot tea from Starbucks spilled into his lap.
Michael Garcia, a Postmates driver, sustained permanent and life-changing injuries, including burns to his genitals, groin, and inner thighs, which required skin grafts.
According to his negligence lawsuit, a Starbucks employee failed to securely place the hot tea in a takeaway tray, causing the spill.
Video footage from a Los Angeles drive-through shows Garcia struggling with the tray as he drives away.
His attorney, Nick Rowley, emphasized the severity of the injuries and said the verdict was a step toward holding Starbucks accountable for customer safety.
Starbucks, however, disagreed with the jury’s decision and deemed the damages excessive.
The company announced plans to appeal, insisting that it maintains the highest safety standards in handling hot beverages.
