Starbucks to pay Ksh. 6.5B to driver severely burned by spilled coffee

The incident happened at a Los Angeles drive-through where Michael Garcia was picking up an order. According to court documents, the lid on one of the hot drinks was not securely fastened, allowing it to spill onto Garcia's lap.

The lawsuit, filed in 2020 in California Superior Court, stated that he suffered "severe burns, disfigurement, and debilitating nerve damage to his genitals."

Garcia's attorney, Michael Parker, explained that his client was given a tray containing three beverages, one of which was not properly positioned. As a result, the drink became dislodged and spilled, causing extensive injuries.

The jury's decision acknowledged Garcia's physical and emotional distress, listing damages such as ongoing pain, psychological trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement.

Starbucks has vowed to challenge the ruling.

“While we sympathize with Mr. Garcia, we respectfully disagree with the jury’s conclusion that we were responsible for the incident,” a company spokesperson stated. “We also believe the damages awarded are excessive. Starbucks remains committed to upholding the highest safety standards in all our locations, including the proper handling of hot beverages.”

The case has been compared to the well-known 1994 lawsuit against McDonald's, in which plaintiff Stella Liebeck suffered third-degree burns from spilled coffee and was awarded nearly $3 million.