Starbucks Faces $50 Million Lawsuit Over Hot Tea Incident

A jury in Florida has awarded a woman $100,000 in damages after she was injured by a hot tea spill at a Starbucks drive-thru in 2021. The incident, which led to severe burns, has now escalated into a $50 million lawsuit against the coffee giant. The lawsuit claims that Starbucks failed to adequately train its employees on the proper handling of hot beverages, resulting in the woman's injuries.

The lawsuit, filed by Joanne Mogavero, alleges that the spill occurred when an employee handed her a cup of hot tea without a proper lid, causing the tea to spill onto her lap while she was driving away from the drive-thru. Mogavero suffered second-degree burns and has since undergone multiple surgeries and skin grafts.

Starbucks has faced similar lawsuits in the past, most notably the infamous McDonald's hot coffee case in the 1990s. The company has stated that it takes the safety and well-being of its customers seriously and is reviewing the case. However, the company has not yet commented on the specifics of this lawsuit.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for how fast-food and coffee chains handle hot beverages and train their employees. It also raises questions about liability and customer safety in the fast-paced environment of drive-thru service.

• Florida
• Joanne Mogavero
• Starbucks