Lady That Got Burned By Mcdonald's Coffee
The Incident
On February 27, 1992, 79-year-old Stella Liebeck ordered a cup of coffee from a McDonald's drive-thru in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While sitting in the passenger seat of her grandson's car, she attempted to add cream and sugar to her coffee when the cup spilled, causing third-degree burns on her thighs, buttocks, and groin.
The Lawsuit
Liebeck spent eight days in the hospital and underwent skin grafts to repair the damage. She asked McDonald's to cover her medical expenses of $20,000, but they only offered $800. Frustrated with their lack of responsibility, Liebeck filed a lawsuit against McDonald's for serving dangerously hot coffee.
The Trial
During the trial, it was revealed that McDonald's had received over 700 complaints of burns from hot coffee over the span of a decade, yet they continued to serve it at a temperature of 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts testified that such a temperature could cause third-degree burns in just a matter of seconds.
The Verdict
The jury found McDonald's guilty of negligence and awarded Liebeck $2.86 million in damages, which was later reduced to $640,000. The case sparked national debate, with some arguing that Liebeck was a greedy opportunist, while others saw her as a victim of a corporation's disregard for public safety.
The Aftermath
The case forced McDonald's to lower the temperature of their coffee and add warning labels to their cups. It also prompted a wave of tort reform, with businesses and lawmakers pushing for limits on damages awarded in personal injury cases.
The Legacy
The McDonald's coffee lawsuit remains one of the most well-known personal injury cases in American history. It has been referenced in countless movies, TV shows, and stand-up comedy routines. But more importantly, it brought attention to the issue of corporate responsibility and the need to prioritize public safety over profit.