Starbucks Ordered To Pay $50 Million In Negligence Lawsuit

Imagine ordering a drink and ending up with life-altering injuries. In February 2020, a Los Angeles Postmates delivery driver experienced that when a poorly secured Starbucks beverage caused catastrophic burns, leading to a landmark $50 million legal verdict that exposed critical gaps in corporate safety standards.

This isn’t just another legal case — it’s a wake-up call for businesses about their responsibility to protect consumers. By examining the delivery driver’s traumatic experience, we’ll explore how a simple mistake can result in devastating consequences and what this case means for corporate accountability in the food and beverage industry.

Key questions emerge: How do seemingly routine interactions turn into life-changing moments? What protections exist for consumers when businesses fail to meet basic safety standards? This case offers unprecedented insights into corporate negligence and consumer rights.

The Incident At The Los Angeles Starbucks

On February 8, 2020, Michael Garcia, a Postmates delivery driver, visited a Starbucks drive-thru in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, to pick up an order of three “Medicine Ball” drinks. These drinks, a popular, secret menu item, are a mixture of steamed lemonade and two types of tea. Starbucks employees placed the drinks in a cardboard carrier but failed to secure one cup properly, triggering a catastrophic chain of events.

The unsecured cup tipped over just seconds after Garcia placed the drinks in his car, spilling the 180° to 190° hot tea directly onto his lap. The extremely hot liquid soaked through his clothing and caused immediate and severe burns. Surveillance footage from inside the Starbucks showed that an employee failed to secure the cup properly. This oversight set the stage for a legal battle that would change Garcia’s life forever.

The Scalding Burn: Physical And Psychological Impact

Garcia’s injuries went far beyond a simple accident. He sustained third-degree burns to his genitals, groin, and inner thighs due to scalding tea, requiring two complex skin grafts and causing permanent nerve damage. Paramedics rushed him to the emergency room, where doctors confirmed the severity of the burns. Medical staff transferred him to the renowned Grossman Burn Center for specialized treatment, where he underwent two skin grafts on his penis.

The catastrophic injuries left Garcia with lasting nerve damage, leading to incredible pain from any friction, particularly in sensitive areas. His penis became permanently discolored and had a significant reduction in both length and girth, leaving him unable to achieve a complete or sustained erection.

These bodily injuries have drastically reduced his quality of life, leaving Garcia to suffer daily from both the physical and emotional repercussions. Even five years later, Garcia continues to struggle with the lasting pain, dysfunction, and disfigurement caused by the burns.

Michael Garcia V. Starbucks Corp. Case

On March 14, 2025, a Los Angeles County jury found Starbucks guilty of negligence, marking the conclusion of a legal battle that began five years earlier.

Here are the main points from the case:

• The Incident — The lawsuit claimed that a Starbucks barista failed to properly secure one of the hot beverages in a drink carrier, causing it to spill in Garcia’s lap as he placed the drinks in his car.
• Critical Evidence — The trial’s most damning evidence was surveillance footage from the Starbucks store, which showed the incident unfolding and helped prove the company’s negligence.

The trial took place in two phases. After a week of deliberation over the liability phase, the jury took only 40 minutes to determine Starbucks’ responsibility for the accident. During the damages phase, the jury deliberated for just over two hours before delivering a staggering $50 million verdict in favor of Garcia. This amount could rise to $60 million with interest and attorney fees.

Garcia’s award covers:

• Physical Pain And Suffering — The severe third-degree burns Garcia sustained caused lifelong discomfort and required multiple surgeries, including skin grafts.
• Emotional And Psychological Distress — The incident also caused immense mental anguish, including anxiety and PTSD.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life — The injuries, particularly the disfigurement of Garcia’s genitals, have permanently altered his personal life and caused long-term grief.
• Inconvenience And Humiliation — Garcia’s everyday life, once normal, is now impacted by physical impairment and a constant reminder of the trauma.

Business Liability In Hot Beverage Burn Injury Cases

Businesses have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their customers when serving hot beverages. Unfortunately, accidents involving scalding drinks are far too common, and many of these incidents are entirely preventable. Consumers should not have to bear the burden when someone hands them dangerously hot drinks or when a simple spill leads to serious injuries.

The Duty Of Care In Serving Hot Drinks

To ensure consumer safety, hot beverage sellers must exercise due diligence when serving these drinks. Many coffee shops and restaurants rely on machines that produce high temperatures; however, they must ensure that those temperatures do not pose a risk of harm. When hot liquids come into contact with the skin, they can result in severe burns, ranging from first-degree to third-degree.

It is not inherently negligent for businesses to serve hot drinks; consumers expect their coffee or tea to be hot. However, customers also reasonably assume that these beverages are safe when served. At a minimum, businesses must warn consumers about the drink’s temperature and provide instructions, such as waiting a brief period before consuming it. Failure to do so may result in product liability if a dangerously hot beverage causes severe burns. When injuries occur due to improper handling or defective packaging, the business or manufacturer may be held responsible for the damages.

How Negligence Contributes To Burn Injuries From Hot Drinks

While serving hot drinks does not inherently constitute negligence, businesses can be responsible for injuries if they do not take proper safety precautions when serving hot beverages. If a drink is served at excessively high temperatures and causes injury due to improper packaging or failure to secure the lid, the business could be fully liable for any damages.

Several factors can point to negligence:

• Temperature — If the drink was unreasonably hot, posing a danger to the consumer.
• Safety Policies — Whether the business adhered to its own internal safety policies or industry standards.
• Warnings — Whether the business provided adequate warnings or precautions to alert the consumer of the danger.

To avoid legal consequences, companies should implement safety measures such as labeling cups with clear warnings, providing verbal cautions at the counter, or securing lids to prevent spills. Without these measures, the company risks being held liable for any harm caused by the product.

A hot beverage accident in a work environment could also lead to workers’ compensation claims. It allows employees to seek financial recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation.

Defining The Risk: How Hot Is Too Hot For Hot Beverages?

Many people enjoy hot beverages, but if served too hot, they pose a serious burn risk. Industry standards help protect consumers and reduce liability for businesses. Most establishments aim to serve drinks around 160°F — a temperature hot enough to satisfy customers but low enough to reduce the risk of injury.

Research shows that liquids at just 140°F can cause third-degree burns in five seconds, and temperatures above 155°F increase the risk of severe injury from even brief contact. Scalding liquids can also lead to eye injuries if splashed, potentially impairing vision permanently.

The Legal Precedents: How Past Cases Shape Industry Standards

The Garcia vs. Starbucks case is not the first time a company has faced legal repercussions for serving dangerously hot beverages. In fact, Starbucks itself was previously involved in a lawsuit when a Florida woman suffered burns from a Starbucks coffee. In that case, the court awarded the woman $100,000 in damages. The ruling showed that the company knew about the dangers of ill-fitting lids and unsafe temperatures but failed to take proper action.

The 1994 landmark case of Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants is another stellar example. Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, sued the fast food chain after spilling hot coffee on her lap. The coffee caused third-degree burns over 16% of her body, leading to an eight-day hospital stay. The court found McDonald’s 80% at fault and ordered it to pay $640,000, which they later settled for a confidential amount. This case sparked national discussions on corporate responsibility and consumer safety.

These high-profile cases underscore the importance of businesses prioritizing customer safety in their daily operations. With continued scrutiny on handling hot beverages, companies are under increasing pressure to adopt safer practices.

Understanding Burn Injury Lawsuits And Liability

Burn injury lawsuits focus on proving that another party was responsible for the victim’s injuries. These cases often involve negligence, where a person or business fails to take proper precautions, leading to serious harm. Since burn injuries can result in long-term physical and emotional suffering, victims may be entitled to significant compensation. The following sections discuss the elements of negligence and liability in burn injury cases.

Key Factors In Proving Negligence In Burn Injury Cases

To win a burn injury case, a personal injury attorney must establish the following elements of negligence:

• Duty of Care — Businesses serving hot drinks are legally responsible for ensuring customer safety by following proper handling procedures, using safe packaging, and maintaining reasonable beverage temperatures.
• Breach of Duty — If a business fails to take necessary precautions, such as serving coffee at dangerously high temperatures, using faulty or weak cups, or neglecting to secure lids properly, it violates its duty of care.
• Causation — This negligence directly results in an injury, such as a customer suffering severe burns when an improperly secured lid comes off or when a cup fails and spills excessively hot liquid.
• Damages — The victim experiences physical harm (such as second or third-degree burns), emotional distress, medical expenses, lost wages, and possibly long-term scarring or disfigurement.

For example, the business may be liable if a coffee shop serves a drink so hot that it burns through a cup and causes serious injury. Since companies and insurers often fight to minimize their liability, having the best personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in securing fair compensation.

The Role Of Evidence In Burn Injury Cases

Burn injury lawsuits tend to be strong cases due to the severe and visible nature of burns, which can lead to:

• Permanent scarring and disfigurement.
• Emotional distress and loss of self-confidence.
• Long-term disabilities affecting work and daily life.

Here are several types of evidence that can strengthen a burn injury claim:

• Video Footage — Security or phone recordings showing negligence, such as an employee mishandling a hot beverage.
• Policy Violations — Proof that safety rules, such as improperly secured drink lids, were ignored.
• Medical Documentation — Records of severe burns, skin grafts, nerve damage, or disfigurement.
• Comparative Fault Evidence — Demonstrating that the victim did not contribute to the accident is crucial in states where shared fault can reduce compensation.
• Expert Testimony — Statements from burn injury doctors or safety experts supporting the claim.

With the proper evidence, victims of burn injuries can build a strong case and increase their chances of receiving the compensation they deserve.

Burn Injuries: By The Numbers

Understanding the scale of these types of injuries provides crucial context for consumer awareness and business accountability.

Annual Injury Breakdown

• In 2021, there were 398,000 injuries related to fires or burns, along with an additional 252,000 injuries caused by contact with hot objects or substances.
• Burns and fires rank as the fifth leading cause of accident death among both children and adults, resulting in an estimated 3,500 fatalities annually.
• Thermal burns in the special food services sector occurred at a rate of 8.5 cases per 10,000 full-time workers — more than four times the average rate for all private industries (1.4). Employees in restaurants and other dining establishments also experienced thermal burns at rates higher than the overall private industry average.

Economic Impact Of Burn Injuries

Direct care costs for burn injuries can vary significantly but are typically high.

• The average total healthcare cost per burn patient is approximately $88,218.
• In 2023, 10,125 burn injury cases required ICU admission, resulting in intensive care costs exceeding $660 million for that year alone.
• The average yearly cost of pediatric scald injuries is $44 million.

Premises Vs. Product Liability In Hot Beverage Cases

Burn injuries from hot drinks can fall under premises and product liability, depending on how the injury occurred. Here’s how:

• Premises Liability — If the burn happened because of unsafe serving practices, such as an employee failing to properly secure a drink lid or handing over a dangerously unstable cup, the business may be held responsible under premises liability. Since property owners are legally required to provide a safe environment for customers, they can be liable if their negligence leads to injury.
• Product Liability — If a defective cup, lid, or tray caused the injury, or if someone served the beverage at an unreasonably high temperature, the court may consider the case product liability. This means manufacturers, distributors, or sellers could be held accountable for providing a product that did not meet safe consumer expectations.

In some circumstances, both premises and product liability may apply. Thus, it is critical to determine the actual cause of the harm.

Questions People Frequently Ask About Burn Injury Claims

Below are some frequently asked questions about hot beverage burn injury claims and helpful answers. Call our injury attorneys at (888) 488-1391 for personalized assistance.

What Should I Do If I Suffer A Burn From A Hot Beverage?

Immediately cool the affected area with running water for at least 10 minutes. Avoid using ice, as it can further damage the skin. After cooling, seek medical attention, especially if the burn is severe. Document the incident by taking photos and gathering any relevant information, such as the location and how the incident occurred. These pieces of evidence help attorneys in personal injury cases strengthen the victim’s claim.

Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me?

Arash Law highly recommends hiring a good personal injury lawyer. The right attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you secure the maximum compensation for your injuries. They will help you in:

• Proving Liability — An experienced lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and establish negligence to strengthen your claim.
• Maximizing Compensation — They ensure you recover all possible damages in a personal injury case, including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
• Handling Insurance Companies — Insurers often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer negotiates on your behalf to get the compensation you deserve.
• Navigating Legal Complexities — An attorney knows that personal injury laws can be complicated, so they will ensure you meet all deadlines and legal requirements.

How Much Does A Burn Injury Lawyer Cost?

Most burn injury lawyers operate under contingency fee agreements, meaning you won’t have to pay anything upfront. You usually only pay if your lawyer successfully helps you recover compensation.

Signing a contract with your attorney will outline the percentage they will take from your settlement or court award as their fee. This percentage usually ranges between 33% and 40% of your recovery. This arrangement allows injury victims to get legal help without financial risk, as they typically won’t owe anything if they don’t win their case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Claim?

In California, you generally have two years from the date of your burn injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, also known as the statute of limitations, determines how long you must take legal action. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline.

However, some exceptions can extend the time limit:

• Injured Minors — If the victim is under 18, the two-year period usually starts when they turn 18. However, a guardian ad litem (often a parent or legal guardian) can represent the minor’s interests.
• Late Discovery Rule — If an injury is not immediately apparent, the deadline may start from the date it was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

Consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all legal deadlines and protect your rights to compensation. Call the best personal injury attorneys now at (888) 488-1391 and get free accident lawyer advice.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive For A Burn Injury?

The compensation you can receive depends on several factors, including the severity of your burns, long-term effects, and whether you share any fault for the injury. Compensation typically covers medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Burn injury settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to several million, depending on the impact of the injury. The more severe the burns and the greater the financial and emotional strain, the higher the potential payout.

Work with a skilled lawyer to ensure you recover all the damages in your personal injury case. Get started by filling out our “Do I Have A Case?” form, and our team will review your situation to help you get the justice and reparation you deserve.

Need A Burn Injury Lawyer? Contact Arash Law Today!

Arash Law holds liable parties accountable when their negligence causes harm. As one of the best personal injury law firms in California, we have secured half a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements, repeatedly proving that we fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. If you’ve suffered severe burns from a hot coffee, tea, or any other beverage spill, we are ready to take on major corporations to protect your rights.

Our injury law firm is widely recognized for its relentless advocacy on behalf of car accident victims. We bring that same level of dedication and expertise to burn injury cases, ensuring every client receives the serious representation they deserve. Our team works relentlessly to build strong cases, present compelling evidence, and deliver outstanding case results. Whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to court, we fight for fair damages to send a clear message: customer safety should never be compromised.

Wherever you are in California, we can visit your location 24 hours a day! You may also visit our local offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Sherman Oaks, San Jose, San Diego, Riverside, and Pasadena. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with our experienced injury attorneys. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve!