A Los Angeles jury has awarded $50 million to Michael Garcia, a Postmates delivery driver, following a 2020 incident at a Starbucks drive-through at Exposition Park, located at 1789 West Jefferson Boulevard. Garcia suffered severe burns from a spilled 'medicine ball' hot tea on Feb. 8, 2020, which spilled into his lap within 1.4 seconds of receiving the order, causing third-degree burns and permanent damage to his genitals. The lawsuit filed in California Superior Court accused Starbucks of negligence, claiming that the 180-degree drink's lid was not properly secured, leading to the spill. Garcia underwent multiple surgeries, including skin grafts at the Grossman Burn Center, and continues to experience severe PTSD and life-long implications from his injuries. His damages included physical pain, mental anguish, and life-altering injuries, as detailed in court records. Starbucks initially offered Garcia $3 million to settle pre-trial, later increasing the offer to $30 million, but Garcia conditioned his acceptance on an apology, policy changes, and a memo to all stores to double-check hot drinks. Starbucks declined these terms. The company has expressed sympathy for Garcia but plans to appeal the verdict, arguing that they were not at fault and that the damages awarded are excessive. Starbucks maintains a commitment to high safety standards in handling hot beverages.