Delivery Driver Wins $50M in Lawsuit Against Starbucks

California Jury Orders Coffee Chain to Pay Multi-Million Dollar Compensation

A Los Angeles delivery driver has been awarded $50 million in a personal injury lawsuit after suffering severe burns when a cup of hot tea spilled at a Starbucks drive-through.

On February 8, 2020, Michael Garcia, 34, was picking up three Medicine Ball drinks at the Starbucks location in West Adams when one of the teas spilled onto his lap. The drink, improperly secured on the tray, caused third-degree burns to Garcia’s genitals and inner thighs. He required multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, resulting in permanent scarring and disfigurement. The injuries left Garcia with lasting physical and emotional effects, including sexual dysfunction, which significantly impacted his quality of life.

Garcia took legal action, accusing Starbucks of negligence for failing to secure the drink properly. The case went to trial, and on March 14, 2025, a Los Angeles County jury ruled in his favor, awarding him $50 million in damages.

Before the trial, Starbucks had offered $30 million to settle the case out of court, but Garcia rejected the offer. He sought more than just financial compensation, requesting a public apology from Starbucks and changes to their safety procedures. Starbucks, however, refused to meet these demands. As a result, the case went to trial, where the jury ultimately found the coffee chain liable for Garcia’s injuries.

Garcia’s lawsuit also highlighted the emotional and psychological impact of the incident. The plaintiff alleged that he suffered extreme physical pain, anxiety, mental anguish, and humiliation.

Legal Aspects of the Starbucks Lawsuit: Negligence and Liability

Under California Civil Code Section 1714, any individual or entity can be held liable for damages caused by their reckless or negligent actions.

Negligence occurs when a party fails to exercise reasonable care in a given situation, resulting in preventable harm. In this case, Starbucks negligently placed hot drinks on trays, causing one of them to spill and severely injure delivery driver Michael Garcia.

A key aspect of this Starbucks lawsuit is liability, which refers to holding the responsible party accountable for the harm caused. As a business, Starbucks had a legal obligation to ensure safe conditions for both customers and employees. By mishandling the hot beverages, Starbucks exposed Garcia to an unnecessary risk of injury.

At trial, the jury determined that Starbucks failed to meet its safety standards and duty of care. As a result, Garcia suffered third-degree burns, and the jury awarded him $50 million in compensatory damages. This amount is intended to cover his physical injuries, emotional distress, and significant loss of quality of life.

Previous Lawsuits against Starbucks

As one of the world’s largest and most recognized coffee chains, Starbucks has faced numerous legal battles regarding the safe handling of its products. In recent years, the company has been sued several times by customers who suffered burns from its hot beverages.

One notable case occurred in 2020, when a customer suffered second-degree burns after a hot drink spilled. Although the details of the settlement remain confidential, it’s believed that the compensation was comparable to the $50 million awarded to Michael Garcia.

These cases underscore the legal responsibility companies have when handling potentially dangerous products. Both consumers and employees are at risk when proper precautions aren’t taken. In such cases, victims have the right to pursue compensation through the legal system.

Starbucks is not alone in facing such lawsuits. McDonald’s has also been involved in lawsuits over burns caused by its hot products.

The most famous case occurred in 1992, when 79-year-old Stella Liebeck suffered third-degree burns after hot coffee spilled on her at a McDonald’s in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Liebeck claimed that the coffee was too hot and that she wasn’t provided with a cupholder. A jury awarded her nearly $3 million.

In 2023, a Florida jury ordered McDonald’s to pay $800,000 to the family of a young girl who suffered second-degree burns after a hot chicken nugget burned her skin.

Trust an Experienced Injury Attorney Today

Injuries can be life-changing, but you don’t have to face this journey alone. At Adamson Ahdoot, we understand the challenges you’re facing. That’s why we’re here to provide the support you need and fight for the justice you deserve. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, we specialize in negligence cases and have the expertise to take on large corporations to protect your rights.

Let us help you get the peace of mind and compensation you deserve. Call us at (800) 310-1606 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation. We’ll handle the entire legal process so you can focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track.