Starbucks Told to Pay $50 mn to Delivery Driver Burned by Hot Beverage in US
In a shocking verdict, a court in Los Angeles has ordered Starbucks to pay a staggering $50 million (approximately ₹434 crore) in reparation pay to a delivery driver who suffered serious burns after a hot beverage spilled on him in 2020. The incident, which has left the victim with nerve damage to his genitals, has raised concerns about the safety measures implemented by the coffee giant.
According to reports, Michael Garcia, a delivery driver for Uber Eats, was delivering a Starbucks drink to a customer in November 2020 when disaster struck. As he was carrying the drink, the lid of the cup came loose, causing the hot beverage to spill all over his body. Garcia, who was wearing a thick jacket at the time, suffered severe burns on his arms, chest, and genitals.
The incident was a result of an improperly secured lid, which is a common problem faced by many coffee shops and restaurants. In Garcia’s case, the lid was not tightened properly, leading to the spillage. The incident could have been easily prevented if the lid was secured correctly.
Garcia’s attorney, Brian Panish, described the incident as a “horrible, horrific accident” that has left his client with permanent injuries. “Michael was burned all over his body, including his genitals, and has suffered nerve damage to his genitals,” Panish said. “He has had to undergo multiple surgeries and still has a long way to go to recover from his injuries.”
The court’s verdict is a significant blow to Starbucks, which has been facing criticism for its safety record in recent years. The company has been accused of prioritizing profits over safety, and this incident is just the latest example of its failures.
Starbucks, however, has announced that it will appeal the verdict. In a statement, the company said, “We are disappointed with the jury’s verdict and intend to appeal. We understand that Mr. Garcia was injured and are sorry for what happened. However, we believe that the evidence did not support the jury’s verdict.”
The incident has raised concerns about the safety measures implemented by Starbucks to prevent such accidents in the future. In the wake of the incident, Garcia’s lawyer has called for the company to take immediate action to address the issue.
“This verdict is a wake-up call for Starbucks to take responsibility for its actions and to ensure that its customers are safe,” Panish said. “We expect the company to take immediate action to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.”
The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about the importance of proper safety measures in the food and beverage industry. As more and more people rely on delivery services, it is essential that companies prioritize safety to prevent accidents like this from happening.
In conclusion, the verdict is a significant blow to Starbucks, which has been accused of prioritizing profits over safety. The company must take immediate action to address the issue and ensure that its customers are safe. The incident is a reminder of the importance of proper safety measures in the food and beverage industry, and we hope that it will serve as a wake-up call for companies to take responsibility for their actions.
