"Delivery Worker Who Suffered Severe Burns from Coffee Ordered to Pay 72.7 Billion Won in Compensation"

Starbucks Plans to Appeal, Calling Damages "Excessive"
Delivery Driver Awarded $50 Million After Suffering Severe Burns from Hot Coffee

A delivery driver in the United States suffered genital nerve damage and other injuries after receiving a coffee with a lid that was not properly closed at a Starbucks store, and a local court has ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million (approximately 72.7 billion KRW) in damages.

A Starbucks store in New York, USA. Photo by Reuters-Yonhap News

On the 14th (local time), U.S. media outlets including CNN reported that a California jury ordered Starbucks to pay $50 million in damages to the delivery driver who suffered severe burns because the hot beverage was not properly placed on the tray. Earlier, in 2020, delivery driver Michael Garcia was injured when hot coffee spilled on him while receiving a drink at a Starbucks drive-thru in Los Angeles, causing burns, wounds, and genital nerve damage.

Garcia's attorney explained that during the process of receiving three drinks, the hot beverage was not fully secured on the tray and spilled onto his lap. As a result of the accident, Garcia suffered third-degree burns on his genitals and inner thighs, permanent genital deformity, discoloration, reduction in length and girth, and persistent erectile dysfunction. According to the recording of the verdict from the Courtroom View Network, which broadcasts and edits U.S. civil trials, Garcia's damages included physical and mental pain, loss of enjoyment, humiliation, discomfort, impairment, anxiety about physical disability, and emotional distress. Additionally, he is currently reported to be suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Garcia also experiences extreme pain during sexual intercourse. His attorney emphasized, "One of the most enjoyable experiences in life has turned into pain. He has become a different person. This will affect his entire life."

However, Starbucks announced plans to appeal. A Starbucks spokesperson said, "While we sympathize with Garcia's injuries, we do not agree with the jury's decision that Starbucks is responsible for this incident, and we believe the damages awarded are excessive." The spokesperson added, "Starbucks has always adhered to the highest safety standards, including those for handling hot beverages."

Foreign media noted, "This incident recalls the 'famous case' involving McDonald's in the past." The "famous case" refers to a lawsuit filed in 1994 by Stella Liebeck in New Mexico against McDonald's. Liebeck sued after suffering third-degree burns from hot coffee sold by McDonald's. The jury found McDonald's liable and awarded Liebeck $3 million (approximately 426 million KRW) in punitive damages. Since then, coffee cups have included warning labels such as "Caution: Coffee is hot."