California Man Wins $50 Million in Lawsuit Against Starbucks Over Burns From Tea

In a significant legal victory, a California man has been awarded $50 million in a lawsuit against Starbucks. The lawsuit stemmed from an incident in 2021 where the plaintiff suffered severe burns after spilling a cup of tea purchased from a Starbucks outlet in San Diego.

The jury found Starbucks liable for the burns, which were attributed to the tea being served at an excessively hot temperature. The plaintiff's legal team argued that Starbucks failed to adequately warn customers about the potential dangers associated with the beverage's heat. The awarded sum includes $20 million in compensatory damages and $30 million in punitive damages, reflecting the jury's view of the company's negligence.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of hot beverages sold by major chains. It is not the first time Starbucks has faced litigation over similar issues, but the size of this award marks it as a notable case. The verdict may prompt other chains to reassess their practices regarding the serving temperatures of hot drinks and the information provided to customers about potential risks.

Starbucks has indicated that it plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the awarded damages are excessive. The company maintains that it has stringent safety protocols in place and that the incident was an unfortunate accident. The appeal process could take months or even years, keeping this case in the public eye and possibly influencing future legal and corporate policies on beverage safety.

• California
• San Diego
• Starbucks