 "Representative image. AFP")
Starbucks has been ordered to pay $50 million to a delivery partner in damages after he was severely burnt spilling a hot beverage from a cup that was not covered properly, a Californian jury has ruled.
The delivery driver, Michael Garcia, was picking up an order from Starbucks’ drive-thru in Los Angeles when he “suffered severe burns, disfigurement, and debilitating nerve damage to his genitals when hot drinks ultimately spilt” on his lap. The lawsuit, filed in 2020, accused the coffeehouse chain of breaching its duty of ensuring safety by using a poorly constructed lid.
Michael Parker, Garcia’s attorney, stated that his client was collecting three beverages and that one of the hot drinks was not properly secured in the container. As the barista passed the order to Garcia, the drink slipped out and spilt on him, Parker explained.
The damages included the costs of physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, inconvenience, grief, disfigurement, physical impairment, anxiety and emotional distress.
According to a report by CNN, Starbucks will appeal the verdict of the jury.
“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 company said in a statement.
It added, “We have always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot drinks.”