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

A California man has been awarded $50 million in a lawsuit against Starbucks after suffering severe burns from a cup of tea. The incident, which occurred in 2021, led to a prolonged legal battle that has now culminated in a significant financial settlement for the plaintiff, Martin Abarca.

Abarca claimed that he purchased a hot tea at a Starbucks drive-thru in San Diego, and while attempting to drink it, the tea's lid came off, spilling the scalding liquid over his lap and causing third-degree burns. The lawsuit argued that the tea was served at an excessively high temperature and that the cup's design was defective, leading to the spill.

The jury found Starbucks liable for the incident, attributing the burns to negligence on the part of the coffee giant. The awarded amount includes both compensatory and punitive damages, reflecting the severity of Abarca's injuries and the jury's view of Starbucks' responsibility.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of hot beverages sold by major chains and may prompt Starbucks and other companies to re-evaluate their serving temperatures and cup designs to prevent similar incidents in the future.

• California
• Martin Abarca
• San Diego
• Starbucks