Starbucks was ordered to pay compensation of $ 50 million (more than 45 million euros) to a deliveries driver who suffered serious burns after a hot tea turned around in his lap. The decision was taken by a Los Angeles court last Friday, March 14.
Starbucks negligence
Michael Garcia, the relay in question, claimed that Starbucks was negligent by not ensuring that the drink was properly secure in the Take-Away tray. The incident happened on February 8, 2020, when Garcia received the tea and, moments later, the drink sprled, causing serious injuries to it.
The burns were so serious that Garcia needed to do skin grafts and other medical procedures, especially in the genital zone. refers to. The American lawyers stated that the individual suffered an irreversible disfigurement.
The defense speaks of failure in security
Garcia’s defense argued that the company failed to ensure customer safety, accusing it with serious neglect. “The verdict is a fundamental step in accounting for Starbucks for the blatant negligence about customer safety and refusal to take responsibility,” said Nick Rowley, one of the driver’s lawyers, to justify $ 50 million compensation.
Starbucks says it is “excessive”
Starbucks has already reacted to the decision, stating that it will appeal. “We disagree with the claim that we were responsible for the incident and consider that the amount is excessive,” the company said in a statement. The multinational also assured that it is “committed to the highest security standards.”
This is not the first time cases of this kind have happened in the United States. In the 1990s, a New Mexican court sentenced McDonald’s to pay nearly $ 3 million to a woman who suffered serious burns while trying to open a coffee cover in a drive-thru. The compensation was later reduced, and the case was resolved for a value of less than $ 600,000.
The beginning of Starbucks
Starbucks, founded in 1971 in Seattle, began as a small coffee shop that sold roasted grains. Over the decades, it has grown and has become one of the largest coffee chains in the world, with thousands of stores spread across the five continents.
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The brand gained popularity by betting on a concept of modern and welcoming coffee, where customers could relax, work or live. Its menu has been expanding, offering a wide variety of hot and cold beverages, as well as pastry products and snacks.
It is not the first controversy
Despite its success, Starbucks has faced some controversies over the years, mainly related to labor practices and customer service policies. Cases of accidents involving hot beverages have also generated media attention.
Commitment to well-being
Michael Garcia’s case comes to this list, rekindling the debate on the responsibility of the large coffee shop chains in the safety of their products and the well-being of customers. The compensation of $ 50 million attributed to Garcia is one of the largest ever in similar cases, and may open precedents for future lawsuits.
However, Starbucks continues to expand its empire, adapting to different markets and betting on innovation. In Portugal, the brand has been growing, especially in large cities, attracting a faithful clientele.
Review of procedures by companies
The outcome of this case may have implications not only for Starbucks, but also for other large coffee shops, which may be required to review their safety procedures. For now, Michael Garcia has seen recognized his right to be compensated by $ 50 million, while Starbucks prepares his defense to try to reverse the decision.
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