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Starbucks hit with $50 million fine for spilled drink injury

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  • Starbucks hit with $50 million fine for spilled drink injury
  • March 15, 2025
  • Article Body Text <p>A California jury Friday imposed a $50 million fine on Starbucks in the case of a delivery driver burned by a scalding cup of hot tea at a company location in Los Angeles.</p><p>Michael Garcia was picking up three drinks in 2020 but one, he claimed, was &quot;negligently&quot; unsecured and spilled in his lap. He claimed that he consequently &quot;suffered severe burns, disfigurement, and debilitating nerve damage to his genitals&quot; and he was taken to an emergency room by paramedics.</p><p>&quot;Michael Garcia’s life has been forever changed,&quot; his attorney, Nick Rowley, said.</p><p>&quot;No amount of money can undo the permanent catastrophic harm he has suffered, but this jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility,&quot; he added.</p><p>Starbucks said it planned to appeal the verdict.</p><p>&quot;We sympathize with Mr. Garcia, but we disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive,&quot; company spokesperson Jaci Anderson said in a statement.</p><p>&quot;We have always been committed to the highest safety standards in our stores, including the handling of hot drinks,&quot; she added. </p>
  • Content Type Text
  • Language English
  • NewsML Media Topics Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
  • Subtitles / Dubbing Available No
  • Network VOA
  • Embargo Date March 15, 2025 05:53 EDT
  • Byline VOA News
  • Brand / Language Service Voice of America - English
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