Garcia’s legal team argued passionately about the profound impact this incident has had on their client’s life. “Injury and damage to every facet of his life,” was how Garcia’s suffering was characterized during closing arguments. The permanent nature of Garcia’s injuries played a significant role in the jury’s decision to award such a substantial sum.
However, Starbucks’ defense, led by Stephen Pelletier of Price Pelletier LLP, contended that not all of Garcia’s ongoing health issues could be directly attributed to the spill. They pointed to Garcia’s pre-existing childhood-onset diabetes as a source of many of his difficulties.
Reports indicate that Starbucks receives approximately 80 complaints monthly related to lids popping off, leading to spill hazards and burns. Despite these recurring issues, critics argue that the company has been slow to implement meaningful changes to prevent such incidents.
The temperature at which coffee is served has long been a point of contention. While Starbucks recommends serving coffee at 150-170 degrees Fahrenheit, some lawsuits allege that beverages have been served at temperatures as high as 190 degrees – dangerously close to boiling. At 140 degrees, water can cause third-degree burns in just seconds, highlighting the potential dangers of serving beverages at such high temperatures.
