Starbucks (File Image)
A California jury has instructed Starbucks to pay a delivery driver $50 million (about ₹415 crore) for damages he incurred due to injuries from having been scalded with a spilled hot drink. The accident occurred at the drive-through lane of a Los Angeles eatery while the victim, Michael Garcia, was collecting an order.
In the 2020 California Superior Court suit, Garcia asserts he was "severely burned, disfigured, and nerve-damaged severely on his genitals" when the hot drink spilled onto his lap accidentally. Starbucks was faulted for negligence in not properly closing the lid of the cup, which resulted in the mishap, in an allegation contained in the complaint.
Michael Parker, the attorney for Garcia, stated that his client was picking up three drinks when one of them was not placed properly in the carrier. The drink fell while being given to the barista and caused the disastrous spill. The injuries were said to be life-altering and affected Garcia's physical health and lifestyle greatly.
The jury granted Garcia damages for her physical suffering, emotional anguish, loss of the enjoyment of life, humiliation, and continuing suffering, according to Courtroom View Network. Nevertheless, Starbucks has indicated that it plans to appeal the decision.
We feel for Mr. Garcia but disagree with the jury's decision that we were responsible for this accident and find the damages awarded excessive," said a company spokesman. "We have consistently adhered to the highest level of safety standards in our stores, including how to handle hot drinks."
This case is being compared to the well-known 1994 court case against McDonald's, when Stella Liebeck received third-degree burns from scalding coffee spilt on herself. Liebeck was granted close to $3 million in compensatory damages.
This case comes as a reminder of recent court proceedings into the safety of hot drinks and the responsibility of large corporations to take precautions to avoid such accidents.
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