A California jury on Friday, March 14, ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million in compensation to a deliveryman who suffered severe burns due to an insecurely closed lid on a hot drink. This was reported by CNN.
The incident occurred in 2020. At the time, courier Michael Garcia was picking up drinks. When they spilled, he “suffered severe burns, disfigurement, and serious nerve damage in his genital area.” In the lawsuit, the man claimed that Starbucks breached its duty of care by failing to securely close the lids.
The courier’s lawyer explained that his client was picking up three drinks, and one was not fully inserted into the coaster. When the barista handed over the order, one of the drinks fell out of the container and spilled.
The court ruled that the damage suffered by the man included physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, inconvenience, grief, disfigurement, physical disability, anxiety, and emotional stress.
Starbucks said it plans to appeal the court’s decision. The coffee chain says it has always maintained the highest safety standards in its establishments, including when handling hot beverages.