LA delivery driver wins $50 million in Starbucks lawsuit after suffering severe burns from hot tea

Michael Garcia wins lawsuit after suffering life-changing injuries from a spilled Starbucks drink.

A California jury has awarded $50 million to delivery driver Michael Garcia, who suffered life-altering burns when a Starbucks tea spilled on his lap at a drive-through. The Los Angeles County jury ruled in favor of Garcia on Friday after he endured skin grafts and multiple medical procedures due to the injuries sustained from the scalding-hot beverage.

According to Garcia’s attorneys, the burns were caused by one of three venti-sized "Medicine Ball" teas he was picking up. The lawsuit alleged that a Starbucks employee failed to properly secure the cup in a takeout tray, leading to the spill. "After a hospitalization and multiple skin grafts, Michael has lived for five years with the disfigurement, pain, dysfunction, and psychological harm caused by the burns," his attorneys stated on Instagram.

Starbucks had reportedly offered a $30 million settlement with a confidentiality clause, but Garcia’s legal team rejected the terms, instead demanding a public apology and policy changes to prevent similar incidents. "This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility," Garcia’s attorney, Nick Rowley, said in a statement.

The coffee giant has since responded, expressing sympathy for Garcia but announcing its intent to appeal. "We disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive," Starbucks said in a statement, asserting its commitment to safety standards.

The case echoes other high-profile lawsuits against fast-food chains over burns from hot beverages, including the famous McDonald’s coffee case of the 1990s.