In the United States, a court has ruled that Starbucks must pay 50 million dollars in compensation to a courier after hot coffee was spilled on him from the vehicle service.

In California in 2020, following an incident where a service courier suffered serious burns and nerve damage due to spilled hot coffee from Starbucks, the court decided that the company should pay 50 million dollars in compensation to the courier.

Starbucks courier, Michael Garcia, stated that in 2020 in Los Angeles, the hot beverages spilled onto his lap while receiving them from the car service. As a result, Garcia suffered nerve damage and serious burns in his genital area. The lawsuit was filed on the grounds that Starbucks violated its duty of care by not properly securing the beverage lids.

According to court records, Garcia’s damages included physical pain, emotional distress, decreased quality of life, disfigurement, and anxiety. The court ruled that Starbucks is required to pay Garcia 50 million dollars in compensation.

However, Starbucks announced that it would appeal the court’s decision. The company stated, “We sympathize with Mr. Garcia, but we do not agree with the jury’s decision that it was our fault in this incident, and we believe that the compensation awarded is excessive.” Additionally, the company noted that they always adhere to the highest safety standards in their stores. This case brings to mind the famous lawsuit against McDonald’s in 1994, where a woman suffered third-degree burns after hot coffee was spilled on her. Initially, approximately 3 million dollars were paid in compensation to the plaintiff Stella Liebeck.