A Los Angeles County jury has awarded delivery driver Michael Garcia $50 million in damages in a Starbucks hot tea lawsuit. The verdict, widely reported as the 50 million Starbucks lawsuit, underscores the serious consequences of alleged negligence in handling scalding hot beverages at one of the world’s most recognized coffee chains.
The $50 Million Starbucks Lawsuit Recap
On February 8, 2020, Michael Garcia, a delivery driver working for Postmates, experienced a life-altering accident at a Starbucks drive-thru in Los Angeles. Garcia had ordered three Venti-sized “Medicine Ball” hot teas—a unique off-menu drink combining steamed lemonade, hot water, Jade Citrus Mint green tea, Peach Tranquility tea, and honey, touted as a remedy for cold and flu symptoms. As he collected his order, a Starbucks barista allegedly negligently failed to secure one of the drinks properly into the to-go tray.
In a matter of seconds, the unsecured lid popped off, causing the scalding hot tea to spill directly into Garcia’s lap. The consequences were catastrophic: Garcia suffered third-degree burns on his penis, groin, and inner thighs. The injuries were so severe that he required multiple skin grafts and has since endured permanent disfigurement, pain, and psychological trauma.
Holding Starbucks Accountable
After a brief deliberation of just 40 minutes, the jury delivered its verdict on Friday, March 14, 2025, awarding Michael Garcia $50 million. Garcia’s attorneys, from Trial Lawyers for Justice, argued that Starbucks’ failure to secure the hot tea in the tray directly led to the incident, constituting gross negligence.
“This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility,” said Nick Rowley, Garcia’s attorney. Rowley emphasized that no amount of money could fully compensate for the permanent catastrophic harm suffered by Garcia, but the award serves as a powerful message to the industry about the importance of strict safety standards.
Starbucks, however, has expressed its disagreement with the decision. In a statement, the company said, “We sympathize with Mr. Garcia, but we disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive.” The coffee giant has announced its intention to appeal the verdict, insisting that it remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards in its stores.
Similar Cases In The Past
The outcome of this $50 million Starbucks lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the food and beverage industry.
The Starbucks hot tea lawsuit is not an isolated incident. In recent years, Starbucks has faced several hot drink-related injury lawsuits. For example, a previous case in Florida resulted in a $100,000 award to a woman who suffered burns from a cup of coffee with a faulty lid. In another notorious case in 2017, a Colorado woman claimed severe burns and even tragic consequences for her pet after a hot tea spill. These cases highlight ongoing concerns about the safety of hot beverage handling in drive-thru operations.
Garcia’s case, however, stands out due to the sheer size of the award—$50 million—and the profound impact on his life. Initially, Starbucks had offered to settle the case for $3 million, a figure that was later increased to $30 million, contingent on public apologies and changes in safety protocols. Garcia’s refusal of these offers, insisting on accountability and policy changes, has set the stage for this unprecedented jury verdict.
