Starbucks Ordered to Pay $50 Million in Burn Case
A jury in California rules on behalf of a man severely burned due to a defective drink lid.
A jury in California has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million in damages to a man who suffered severe burns caused by a loose-fitting lid on a hot beverage.
The incident occurred while the man was receiving drinks at a drive-thru in Los Angeles, during which hot beverages spilled onto his lap, resulting in significant injuries, including burns, disfigurement, and nerve damage to his thighs and sensitive areas.
The lawsuit was filed in California's Superior Court in 2020, accusing Starbucks of breaching its duty of care by failing to adequately secure the lids on its paper cups.
The awarded damages encompass various aspects of the man's suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, inconvenience, sadness, disfigurement, physical disability, anxiety, and psychological distress, as detailed in court records.
In response to the ruling, Starbucks has stated its intention to appeal the decision.
A company spokesperson expressed sympathy for the man but disagreed with the jury's conclusion of liability, describing the awarded damages as excessive.
The spokesperson emphasized Starbucks' commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in its stores, particularly in handling hot beverages.
This case has drawn comparisons to a well-known legal battle in 1994 against McDonald's, in which a woman suffered third-degree burns after spilling hot coffee on herself, receiving initial compensation nearing $3 million.
The widespread public and media discussions surrounding such incidents continue to influence perceptions of liability and corporate responsibility in the food and beverage industry.
The incident occurred while the man was receiving drinks at a drive-thru in Los Angeles, during which hot beverages spilled onto his lap, resulting in significant injuries, including burns, disfigurement, and nerve damage to his thighs and sensitive areas.
The lawsuit was filed in California's Superior Court in 2020, accusing Starbucks of breaching its duty of care by failing to adequately secure the lids on its paper cups.
The awarded damages encompass various aspects of the man's suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, inconvenience, sadness, disfigurement, physical disability, anxiety, and psychological distress, as detailed in court records.
In response to the ruling, Starbucks has stated its intention to appeal the decision.
A company spokesperson expressed sympathy for the man but disagreed with the jury's conclusion of liability, describing the awarded damages as excessive.
The spokesperson emphasized Starbucks' commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in its stores, particularly in handling hot beverages.
This case has drawn comparisons to a well-known legal battle in 1994 against McDonald's, in which a woman suffered third-degree burns after spilling hot coffee on herself, receiving initial compensation nearing $3 million.
The widespread public and media discussions surrounding such incidents continue to influence perceptions of liability and corporate responsibility in the food and beverage industry.
