Man Awarded $50 Million After Starbucks Hot Tea Causes Permanent Disfigurement: A Look at Burn Injury Claims in Florida

A California jury recently awarded a Postmates delivery driver, Michael Garcia, $50 million in damages after he suffered severe third-degree burns from a spilled hot tea at a Los Angeles Starbucks drive-thru. The verdict raises questions about business liability, burn injury lawsuits, and the rights of consumers who suffer injuries due to negligence.

On February 8, 2020, Michael Garcia was working as a Postmates delivery driver when he picked up three venti “Medicine Ball” teas from a Starbucks drive-thru. A Starbucks employee handed him a cardboard drink carrier, but as Garcia took the drinks, one cup tipped over and spilled scalding tea into his lap.

• The lid popped off, allowing the boiling hot liquid to soak through Garcia’s clothing, burning his groin, penis, and inner thighs.
• He suffered third-degree burns, requiring two skin graft surgeries at the Grossman Burn Center.
• He continues to experience pain and discomfort, with even slight friction to the area causing significant suffering.

Garcia’s attorneys argued that Starbucks employees failed to properly secure the cup in the drink carrier, resulting in an avoidable accident. The jury found Starbucks negligent and awarded Garcia $50 million in damages, holding the coffee giant accountable for his permanent injuries and life-altering consequences.

How Does This Apply to Florida Burn Injury Lawsuits?

Under Florida law, individuals who suffer burn injuries due to a company’s negligence may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. This includes cases where a business fails to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to customers.

To establish liability in a burn injury lawsuit, a victim must prove:

• The business had a duty of care to prevent foreseeable harm.
• The business or its employees acted negligently (e.g., handing over unstable drinks).
• The negligence directly caused the injury.
• The victim suffered damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In Garcia’s case, his attorneys successfully argued that Starbucks was negligent in its handling of hot beverages, leading to a foreseeable injury.

In some burn injury cases, liability may also fall under product liability laws if the cup, lid, or drink carrier was defectively designed. Florida law recognizes claims for:

• Defective design – If a product is inherently dangerous (e.g., unstable lids that frequently pop off).
• Manufacturing defects – If a product was made improperly (e.g., faulty materials that weaken the drink carrier).
• Failure to warn – If a business does not provide proper warnings about the temperature of the drink.

What to Do If You Suffer a Burn Injury at a Florida Business

If you or a loved one suffer a burn injury due to a business’s negligence, it’s essential to take the following steps:

• Consult a Personal Injury Attorney – An experienced Florida burn injury lawyer can evaluate your case and help you pursue compensation.
• Seek Medical Attention – Burns, especially third-degree burns, require immediate medical care to prevent infection and permanent damage.
• Document the Scene – Take photos of the spill, defective packaging, and any warning labels on the product.
• Get Witness Statements – If anyone saw the accident, their testimony could support your claim.
• Preserve Evidence – Keep clothing, cups, lids, and drink carriers as potential evidence.

The $50 million Starbucks verdict serves as a warning to businesses nationwide, reinforcing the importance of handling hot beverages with care. Companies must train employees, ensure safe packaging, and respond proactively to customer injuries to avoid similar lawsuits.

For Florida residents, cases like Garcia’s emphasize the importance of understanding your legal rights. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to negligence, consulting with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney can help you seek justice and fair compensation.

If you have questions about a burn injury claim in Florida, contact our team at 305-638-4143 today for a free consultation.