LOS ANGELES — A California delivery driver has been awarded $50 million in a landmark lawsuit after suffering severe burns when a hot beverage spilled in his lap at a drive-through.
A jury in Los Angeles County reached a verdict on Friday for Michael Garcia, who underwent extensive medical procedures, including skin grafts, following the incident on February 8, 2020. Garcia’s injuries resulted in permanent disfigurement and significant life changes, according to his legal representation.
Garcia’s lawsuit alleged that his injuries were caused by negligence on the part of the coffee shop, claiming an employee failed to securely place the cup of hot tea in the takeout tray.
“This jury verdict signifies an important accountability for the company regarding its disregard for customer safety,” stated one of Garcia’s attorneys.
The coffee giant expressed sympathy towards Garcia but announced intentions to appeal the verdict.
The company disagreed with the jury’s ruling, considering the damages awarded to be significantly excessive, and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high safety standards in the handling of hot beverages.
Customer burn incidents have led to legal action against various eateries in the past.
A notable case from the 1990s involved a woman in New Mexico who was awarded nearly $3 million for injuries sustained from a cup of coffee at a drive-through, which was later settled for a lesser amount.
There have also been instances where juries ruled in favor of restaurants, including one case where a child accidentally spilled coffee onto themselves in Iowa.
