Pictures Of Lady Burned By Mcdonald's Coffee
Introduction
In 1992, a woman named Stella Liebeck was burned by McDonald's coffee, which resulted in a lawsuit that garnered national attention. The pictures of her injuries were shocking and sparked a debate about the safety of hot beverages and the responsibility of companies to ensure their products don't cause harm. This article will explore the incident and its aftermath, as well as the lessons that can be learned from it.
The Incident
In 1992, Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was a passenger in her grandson's car when they stopped at a McDonald's drive-thru for breakfast. Liebeck ordered a cup of coffee, which she placed between her legs while her grandson pulled the car forward. As she tried to remove the lid to add cream and sugar, the coffee spilled onto her lap, causing severe burns to her thighs, buttocks, and groin. She was hospitalized for eight days and underwent skin graft surgeries. The injuries left her permanently disfigured and disabled.
The Lawsuit
Liebeck initially sought $20,000 from McDonald's to cover her medical expenses and lost income, but the company offered only $800. She then hired a lawyer and sued McDonald's for gross negligence, claiming that the coffee was served at an unreasonably high temperature and that the company had a history of similar incidents. During the trial, it was revealed that McDonald's had received more than 700 reports of burn injuries from hot coffee in the previous decade and had settled some cases for large sums of money. The jury found McDonald's liable and awarded Liebeck $200,000 in compensatory damages, which was later reduced to $160,000, and $2.7 million in punitive damages, which was later reduced to $480,000. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount before an appeal could be heard.
The Aftermath
The Liebeck case became a media sensation and sparked a nationwide conversation about the safety of hot beverages and the responsibility of companies to ensure their products don't cause harm. McDonald's was criticized for its handling of the incident and its refusal to lower the temperature of its coffee, which was served at 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit, despite knowing the risks. The company eventually reduced the temperature to 160-170 degrees after the lawsuit, but still serves hot coffee.
The Lessons
The Liebeck case serves as a reminder that companies have a duty to ensure the safety of their products and that individuals can hold them accountable if they fail to do so. It also highlights the importance of being aware of the risks associated with hot beverages and taking precautions to avoid injury. If you are served a hot beverage, let it cool before drinking it, use a lid, and avoid placing it between your legs or near sensitive areas. By learning from incidents like this, we can prevent future harm and create a safer world for everyone.
Conclusion
The pictures of Stella Liebeck's injuries are a stark reminder of the dangers of hot beverages and the responsibility of companies to ensure their products don't cause harm. The incident sparked a debate about safety and accountability and led to changes in the way hot beverages are served. By learning from incidents like this, we can prevent future harm and create a safer world for everyone.