Los Angeles Man Awarded $50 Million After Scalding Starbucks Tea Spill Leaves Permanent Injuries

A Los Angeles man has been awarded $50 million in a lawsuit against Starbucks after he suffered permanent burns from a spilled tea at a drive-thru in 2020.

Michael Garcia, a Postmates driver, was at the Exposition Park location on February 8th, 2020, when a scalding tea from an unsecured cup spilled onto his lap, causing third-degree burns and lasting injuries. The incident was caught on security footage, showing Garcia’s immediate reaction after receiving a tray of drinks.

Garcia had ordered three venti-sized “medicine ball” teas, but the lawsuit claims the barista failed to secure one properly in the carrier. Within 1.4 seconds of receiving the tray, the cup tipped, spilling the hot liquid onto Garcia. His injuries included severe burns, nerve damage, and permanent harm to his genitals. He has undergone multiple surgeries and continues to endure pain and PTSD. Garcia’s attorney, Nicholas Rowley, criticized Starbucks’ refusal to take responsibility for the incident, stating, “If I hand you a drink that’s not secured, and it falls right on you… then you’re responsible and I’m not.”

The jury deliberated for just 40 minutes before siding with Garcia, affirming that Starbucks’ actions were grossly negligent.

“This injury changed Michael’s life — it was gross negligence,” Rowley said. Starbucks disagreed with the ruling, vowing to appeal. The company had previously offered Garcia $3 million, later increasing the offer to $30 million, but he rejected it unless Starbucks apologized and revised its policies.