The Real Story Of The Mcdonald's Coffee Lawsuit
The Infamous Hot Coffee Incident
In 1992, an elderly woman named Stella Liebeck bought a cup of hot coffee from a McDonald's drive-thru in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She spilled the coffee on her lap, causing third-degree burns that required skin grafts and multiple surgeries. Liebeck sued McDonald's for $2.7 million, claiming that the coffee was dangerously hot and that the company had served it in a defective cup.
The Jury's Verdict
The jury sided with Liebeck and awarded her $200,000 in compensatory damages and $2.7 million in punitive damages. However, the judge later reduced the punitive damages to $480,000. The case became a media sensation, with many people criticizing Liebeck for being greedy and frivolous.
The Facts Behind The Lawsuit
Contrary to popular belief, Liebeck did not sue McDonald's for millions of dollars over a simple spilled cup of coffee. She sued because the coffee was served at a temperature of 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns in just a few seconds. McDonald's had received numerous complaints about the temperature of its coffee but had failed to lower it.
The Impact Of The Lawsuit
The McDonald's coffee lawsuit had a significant impact on product liability law in the United States. It highlighted the need for companies to take responsibility for the safety of their products and to warn consumers of potential dangers. In response to the lawsuit, McDonald's lowered the temperature of its coffee and added warning labels to its cups.
The Legacy Of The Lawsuit
The McDonald's coffee lawsuit remains a controversial case to this day. Some people see it as an example of a frivolous lawsuit and an overly litigious society. Others see it as a necessary reminder that companies have a duty to protect their consumers from harm. Regardless of your opinion, the McDonald's coffee lawsuit is a cautionary tale about the importance of product safety and personal responsibility.