Starbucks ordered a $50 million payout to a consumer who was burned by a hot beverage.
Starbucks has been forced to pay $50 million to a California drive-through customer who was burned when an unsecured hot drink spilled on him.
On February 8, 2020, Michael Garcia was given a takeout tray of venti-sized drinks at a drive-through, which led to skin grafts and other surgeries on his genitals.
His attorneys were successful in claiming that a barista had neglected to wedge one of those beverages onto the tray, causing the hot beverage to spill out and cause Garcia to get severe burns.
According to his lawyer, he was permanently disfigured.
In the complaint, Starbucks was accused of violating its duty of care. A Los Angeles County jury awarded a huge reward.
"This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility," said Nick Rowley, one of Garcia's lawyers, in an Associated Press announcement.
According to the Daily Journal, Garcia's lawyer, Nicholas Rowley, stated that three jurors dissented and demanded a $125 million payment.
The Seattle-based business stated that it intends to file an appeal.
Starbucks told media agencies, "We disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive," according to the AP.
The business also stated that it is "committed to the highest safety standards" when handling hot beverages.
Starbucks claimed that Garcia's own carelessness and negligence contributed to the spill, which happened at the company's store at 1789 West Jefferson Blvd., and that Garcia had failed to exercise ordinary care on his own behalf.
Rowley told the Daily Journal that the firm offered $3 million before the trial and then $30 million to settle the case.
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