Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai.Starbucks has been ordered to pay $50 million (approximately ₹434.74 crore) as compensation to a delivery boy in California. The decision comes after the delivery worker suffered severe burns when a cup of hot coffee spilled on him due to an improperly sealed lid.

Incident During a Delivery Run

The delivery boy, identified as Michael Garcia, suffered serious injuries on February 8, 2020, while picking up an order from a Starbucks outlet in Los Angeles. As he was handling the drinks, one of the cups tipped over because the container’s lid was not securely fastened. The scalding hot liquid spilled onto his lap, causing him significant burns.

Severe Injuries and Legal Battle

Garcia sustained serious burns on his private parts, leading to immense physical pain and other complications. Holding Starbucks responsible for negligence, he filed a lawsuit against the coffee giant. A jury in Los Angeles County ruled in his favor, determining that Starbucks was accountable for the incident and awarding him substantial compensation.

Lawyer Calls Verdict a Step Towards Accountability

One of Garcia’s attorneys, Nick Rowley, stated in an interview with the Associated Press that the ruling was an important step in holding Starbucks accountable for its negligence. He explained that Garcia had been handed three drinks in a single carrier, but one was not properly secured, leading to the spill. The lawyer emphasized that Starbucks’ lack of responsibility for customer safety played a major role in the case.

Starbucks May Appeal the Verdict

In response to the ruling, Starbucks issued a statement indicating that it might appeal the decision in a higher court. A company spokesperson told CNN that while they sympathized with Garcia, they disagreed with the jury’s verdict, asserting that Starbucks should not be held liable for the incident.