The events leading to this monumental verdict unfolded on February 8, 2020, when Garcia, while picking up an order at a Starbucks drive-through, received a cup caddy containing hot beverages. Mere moments after the handoff – approximately 1.4 seconds, according to Garcia’s attorney Nick Rowley – one of the cups toppled over, spilling scalding hot water intended for tea onto Garcia.
Surveillance footage of the incident, which was presented to the jury, revealed a critical lapse in safety protocols. The cup that spilled was not properly secured, unlike two identical cups placed beside it. This seemingly minor oversight resulted in life-altering consequences for Garcia.
The trial unfolded in two phases, with the jury first determining liability before addressing damages. In a unanimous decision, the court found Starbucks 100% liable for the incident. Furthermore, in an 11-1 ruling, jurors concluded that Garcia bore zero negligence in the matter.
This verdict sends a clear message about corporate responsibility and the duty of care owed to customers. It echoes similar cases in recent years, such as the lawsuit filed by Muriel Evans in Los Angeles, which highlighted a pattern of customers being burned by near-boiling coffee served with faulty lids.
