In 2025, Starbucks was ordered by a California jury to pay $50 million to Michael Garcia, a Postmates delivery driver who suffered severe burns from spilled hot tea. This in-depth overview breaks down what led to the lawsuit, the main legal arguments, its current status, and the broader ramifications for customer safety and business practices.
$50 Million Starbucks Lawsuit: Background and Incident
Who Was Involved?
Michael Garcia, a 30-year-old delivery worker in Los Angeles, was picking up three “medicine ball” hot teas from a Starbucks drive-thru on February 8, 2020, for a customer order.
How Did the Incident Happen?
According to court filings, a Starbucks employee handed Garcia a tray of tea, but one of the venti cups was not properly secured. The cup tipped, spilling boiling tea onto Garcia’s lap, and gave him third-degree burns to his groin, inner thighs, and genitals. The injuries required hospital stays, painful skin grafts, and left permanent scars and trauma. Security footage showed Garcia visibly recoiling in pain just after receiving the beverages.
The Legal Battle: Allegations and Defense
Main Allegations Against Starbucks
- Garcia’s legal team claimed Starbucks was negligent, failing to ensure the drinks were safely secured in the carrier as company policy requires.
- They argued this carelessness directly caused a preventable, catastrophic injury.
- Court-released video strengthened their argument by showing an improper handoff of the tray at the drive-thru window.
What Was Starbucks’ Defense?
- Starbucks claimed the $50 million verdict was excessive and that Garcia should bear some responsibility for possible distractions, including his dog in the car.
- They also stated his medical conditions may have worsened the effects of the burns.
- Starbucks insisted it follows high safety standards and that the incident was an unfortunate but rare accident.
- The company initially offered settlements as high as $30 million, but Garcia’s team pushed for a court decision and policy changes.
The Verdict and Current Status
In March 2025, a Los Angeles jury unanimously found Starbucks entirely liable and awarded Garcia $50 million in damages—one of the largest personal injury verdicts of its kind. Taking into account legal costs and interest, the actual amount Starbucks may owe could reach over $61 million if appeals are unsuccessful.
- Jurors recognized the seriousness and permanent impact of Garcia’s injuries, including pain and loss of quality of life.
- Attempts by Starbucks to overturn or reduce the award were denied by the judge, who affirmed the verdict based on the evidence.
As of August 2025, Starbucks has declared its intention to appeal. The legal process may delay final payouts, though Garcia’s lawyers remain confident the result will be upheld.
Broader Impact of the $50 Million Starbucks Lawsuit
How Could This Affect Customer and Worker Safety?
- The ruling sends a strong message to food and beverage companies about their duty to protect consumers and delivery workers, especially when serving dangerously hot products.
- It highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols and careful quality checks at every service step.
- Similar to the famed 1994 McDonald’s coffee case, this lawsuit will likely influence training, equipment design, and standard practices industry-wide.
What does it Mean for Starbucks and Other Businesses?
- The verdict may increase pressure on beverage chains to revisit how hot drinks are served, with extra training for drive-thru and delivery operations.
- Legal departments are likely to review company policies and try to minimize risk of similar lawsuits in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Michael Garcia sue Starbucks?
He sued after suffering permanent, severe burns from a poorly secured hot tea he received at a Starbucks drive-thru, resulting in lasting pain and trauma.
How much did Starbucks have to pay and why?
Starbucks was told to pay $50 million to Garcia for medical costs, pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life. The jury found the company solely responsible for the mishap.
Is Starbucks paying the settlement now?
Starbucks has appealed the verdict, so the payout is on hold. If appeals fail, the final cost, including interest, will be even higher.
Will this case change how drinks are served?
Yes, large food and drink chains are expected to enforce more rigorous safety protocols for handling hot beverages, especially for carryout and deliveries, to limit risk and protect workers and customers.
Conclusion
The $50 million Starbucks lawsuit serves as a powerful reminder of corporate responsibility toward customer and worker safety. As the case moves through the appeals process, its impact is already being felt industry-wide—prompting new discussions about training, accountability, and the duty of care we all expect from global brands.
