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A routine coffee pickup at a Starbucks drive-thru turned into a life-altering nightmare for delivery driver Michael Garcia. What should have been a simple handoff resulted in catastrophic injuries, leaving Garcia with permanent nerve damage and a jury awarding him a staggering $50 million in damages.

A Moment That Changed Everything

Security footage from the Starbucks drive-thru captures the harrowing moment: a tray filled with hot coffees tipping over, sending scalding liquid straight into Garcia’s lap. His attorney argues that a barista failed to properly secure the lid on one of the cups, a mistake that led to devastating consequences.

“The coffee wasn’t just hot—it was dangerously hot, reaching 180 degrees,” said Garcia’s attorney. “The liquid soaked through his clothing, causing third-degree burns and irreparable damage.”

Starbucks Denies Responsibility

Despite the severe injuries Garcia sustained, Starbucks refused to accept liability. Their legal team maintained that once a drink leaves the barista’s hands, the company is no longer responsible for any accidents that occur.

“If our hands are off the drink, then no matter what happens, we’re not responsible,” a Starbucks representative stated. “We disagree with the jury’s decision and believe the damages awarded are excessive. We plan to appeal.”

Garcia’s attorney, however, argued that this case was about more than just a loose lid—it was about corporate negligence. “If you hand someone a scalding-hot beverage without ensuring it’s secure, you’re playing with fire—literally,” he said.

The Jury’s Swift Decision

After just 40 minutes of deliberation, the jury sided decisively with Garcia. Their verdict: Starbucks must pay him $50 million in damages. Legal experts say the speed of the decision reflects the gravity of the negligence involved.

“This wasn’t a simple accident. It was gross negligence,” Garcia’s attorney stated. “Michael’s life has been permanently altered. No amount of money can truly compensate for what he’s lost.”

A Painful Recovery

Medical experts stress the severity of burns caused by hot liquids. Dr. Lester Ladderan, a burn specialist, explained that such injuries are not only excruciatingly painful but also often lead to long-term nerve damage.

“When a hot liquid soaks through clothing, it stays on the skin longer, intensifying the burn,” Dr. Ladderan noted. “The affected area—especially in a case like this—has a high concentration of nerve endings, making the pain and damage even worse.”

What’s Next?

While the massive verdict brings some closure to Garcia, his battle isn’t over. Starbucks has vowed to appeal, which could lead to a drawn-out legal fight. Meanwhile, Garcia is left grappling with the reality of his injuries—injuries that will impact him for the rest of his life.

“I’m grateful for the jury’s decision,” Garcia said through his attorney. “But no amount of money can undo what happened.”