Michael Garcia, a former delivery driver of Postmates, has been rewarded $50 million in damages after getting severely burnt by an extremely hot tea ordered from a Starbucks drive-thru in Los Angeles, USA.
Garcia claimed that the employee “did not wedge the scalding-hot tea firmly enough” into the takeaway tray, which he accidentally spilt onto his lap.
Video footage captures the moment he is handed a tray of 3 drinks from the serving window, which somewhat spills onto him as he appears to struggle while driving away.
As a result, the delivery driver needed immediate medical treatment, as he suffered shocking third-degree burns on his genitals, groin and inner thighs, leaving him with permanent and life-changing disfigurement.
His lawsuit claimed Starbucks was responsible, blaming the employee for not placing the drinks firmly enough onto the tray.
Nick Rowley, Garcia’s lawyer, argued that “This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility.” He added that Garcia’s “life has been forever changed.”
As a result, a Los Angeles County jury found in favour of Garcia after he sought legal action and has now been rewarded $50 million in damages!
Although Starbucks sympathised with Garcia, they plan to lodge an appeal, stating, "We disagree with the jury's decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive."
The firm added it was "committed to the highest safety standards" in handling hot drinks.
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