A Los Angeles County ju umpire awarded a $50 million man after hot tea spilled and hurt his private parts.
Michael Garcia’s lawyers alleged that his postmate driver was severely burned after a 180-degree bench-sized medicine ball drink fell on his lap at a Jefferson Park drive-thru in 2020.
“Even though repeated warnings about the dangers of inappropriately safe drinks, (Starbucks) chose to ignore safety,” said Garcia’s lawyer Nick Lowry.
Experts testified that Garcia may have done nothing to avoid his injury. A ju judge in Los Angeles County found Starbucks was entirely responsible for his injuries.
The coffee shop chain has a documented corporate policy that, according to court records, hot drinks must be fully protected with trays before they are handed over to customers.
However, video footage from inside the drive-thru seemed to indicate that one of the three drinks was not properly placed in the tray.
“Michael Garcia’s life has changed forever. We cannot undo the lasting and devastating harm he suffered,” Laurie said.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Garcia was left with a permanent appearance, discoloration, low length and girth, and inability to get a full or sustained erection.
Garcia is currently also suffering from serious PTSD from the incident, as recognized by Starbucks experts.
Starbucks initially had a $3 million pre-trial offer, but later to resolve the case, the company offered Garcia $30 million.
Garcia agreed on the condition that Starbucks apologise, change its policy, issue notes to all Starbucks restaurants and double-check the hot drinks before handing them over to customers.
However, Starbucks rejected the terms and the ju-degree ultimately decided to make a final $50 million.
In a statement, Starbucks wrote: “We have sympathy for Garcia, but we oppose the ju-search decision to be liable for this case and believe that the damages awarded are excessive. We will appeal. We are always committed to the highest safety standards for our stores, including the disposal of hot drinks.”
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