California Jury Awards $50 Million to Delivery Driver Injured by Spilled Starbucks Drink

Los Angeles, CA – March 15, 2025 - In a landmark verdict, a California jury has awarded $50 million in damages to Michael Garcia, a Postmates delivery driver, following a traumatic incident at a Starbucks drive-thru in Los Angeles. Garcia, 32, sustained severe burns when a scalding hot beverage spilled on him due to an improperly secured lid, an error attributed to a Starbucks barista. The decision, reached late last week, has sparked debate over corporate accountability and the safety protocols of food delivery services.

The incident occurred in July 2023, when Garcia arrived at the drive-thru window to collect an order for a Postmates customer. According to court documents, the barista handed Garcia a tray of drinks, one of which lacked a properly fastened lid. As Garcia drove away, the lid dislodged, spilling the near-boiling contents onto his lap. He suffered second- and third-degree burns to his legs and torso, requiring multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Garcia’s legal team argued that the injuries not only caused immense physical pain but also led to lost wages and emotional distress, effectively derailing his livelihood.

“This verdict sends a clear message to corporations like Starbucks that they must prioritize safety at every level of their operations,” said Garcia’s attorney, Samantha Reyes, in a statement following the ruling. “Michael’s life was forever altered by a preventable mistake, and this award reflects the jury’s recognition of that injustice.”

Starbucks, however, has vowed to challenge the decision. In a statement released to the press, the company expressed sympathy for Garcia’s injuries but described the $50 million award as “excessive and inconsistent with the facts of the case.” The coffee giant contends that the responsibility for securing the beverages falls partly on the delivery driver and that the incident does not warrant such a substantial payout. “We are reviewing all legal options and intend to appeal,” the statement read, signaling a likely continuation of the high-profile dispute.

The award includes both compensatory damages for Garcia’s medical expenses and lost income, as well as punitive damages intended to penalize Starbucks for negligence. Legal experts note that the size of the verdict places it among the largest of its kind in recent California history, reviving memories of the infamous 1994 McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit, in which a New Mexico woman won $2.86 million (later reduced) for similar burns.

Public reaction has been mixed, with some hailing the decision as a victory for gig workers, who often face precarious working conditions, while others criticize it as an example of an overly litigious culture. The case also raises broader questions about the intersection of corporate responsibility and the gig economy, where third-party delivery drivers serve as a critical link between businesses and consumers.

As of now, Garcia has not commented publicly on the verdict, though his legal team says he is focused on recovery and rebuilding his life. Meanwhile, Starbucks’ appeal process could take months or even years, ensuring that this scalding saga remains in the spotlight for the foreseeable future. 17GEN4.com