True Story Of Mcdonald's Hot Coffee Lawsuit
Introduction
Most people have heard about the infamous McDonald's hot coffee lawsuit, but not many know the full story. The case has been the subject of countless jokes and has been used as an example of frivolous lawsuits. However, the truth is much more complicated than what is often portrayed in the media.
The Incident
In 1992, 79-year-old Stella Liebeck bought a cup of coffee at a McDonald's drive-thru in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As she was trying to add cream and sugar, she spilled the coffee on her lap, causing third-degree burns on her thighs and groin. She was hospitalized for eight days and underwent skin grafts.
The Lawsuit
Liebeck initially asked McDonald's to pay her medical expenses, which amounted to around $20,000. However, McDonald's offered her only $800. Liebeck then hired a lawyer and sued McDonald's for $200,000 in compensatory damages and $2.7 million in punitive damages.
During the trial, Liebeck's lawyers argued that McDonald's had served coffee that was too hot, at a temperature of around 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit (82-88 degrees Celsius). They also pointed out that McDonald's had received hundreds of complaints from customers who had been burned by their coffee.
The Verdict
The jury found McDonald's liable for Liebeck's injuries and awarded her $200,000 in compensatory damages. However, they also found that McDonald's had acted with "reckless disregard" for the safety of its customers and added $2.7 million in punitive damages.
McDonald's appealed the decision and the punitive damages were reduced to $480,000. Liebeck ultimately settled with McDonald's for an undisclosed amount, reportedly less than $600,000.
The Public Reaction
The case received widespread media attention and was often portrayed as an example of a frivolous lawsuit. Many people criticized Liebeck for spilling the coffee on herself and for suing McDonald's for a lot of money.
However, the truth is that Liebeck's injuries were severe and required extensive medical treatment. Furthermore, McDonald's had been aware of the dangers of serving hot coffee for years but had chosen not to reduce the temperature.
The Impact
The case had a significant impact on the fast-food industry. Many chains, including McDonald's, began serving coffee at lower temperatures and issuing warnings about the potential dangers of hot drinks. The case also led to calls for tort reform, which would make it harder for people to sue for damages.
Conclusion
The McDonald's hot coffee lawsuit is often used as an example of a frivolous lawsuit, but the truth is much more complicated. Stella Liebeck suffered severe injuries that required extensive medical treatment, and McDonald's had been aware of the dangers of serving hot coffee for years. The case had a significant impact on the fast-food industry and led to changes in how coffee is served and warnings are issued.
