Woman Sues Mcdonald's For Hot Coffee Pictures
Back in 1992, a woman named Stella Liebeck made headlines for spilling hot coffee on herself while in a McDonald's drive-thru. She sued the fast food chain and was awarded a settlement of $2.86 million. The case has been the subject of much debate and has even been used as an example of frivolous lawsuits.
The Infamous Hot Coffee Incident
On February 27, 1992, Stella Liebeck, a 79-year-old woman, ordered a cup of coffee at a McDonald's drive-thru. She placed the cup between her legs while she attempted to open the lid to add sugar and cream. The coffee spilled, causing burns to her thighs, buttocks, and groin area. Liebeck was hospitalized for eight days and required skin grafts.
The Lawsuit
Liebeck initially sought $20,000 from McDonald's to cover her medical expenses and lost income. When the fast food chain offered her only $800, she decided to sue. During the trial, it was revealed that McDonald's served coffee at a temperature of 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns in just a few seconds. It was also revealed that McDonald's had received over 700 complaints about hot coffee burns prior to the incident with Liebeck.
The Verdict
The jury found McDonald's to be 80% at fault for the incident and Liebeck to be 20% at fault. They awarded her $200,000 in compensatory damages, which was reduced to $160,000 due to her own negligence. They also awarded her $2.7 million in punitive damages, which was reduced to $480,000. The jury felt that McDonald's had acted recklessly and had not done enough to warn customers about the potential danger of their hot coffee.
The Aftermath
The Liebeck case has been used as an example of frivolous lawsuits and the need for tort reform. However, many legal experts argue that the case was not frivolous and that it highlighted the need for companies to take responsibility for the safety of their products. McDonald's has since reduced the temperature of their coffee and added warning labels to their cups.
The Latest Lawsuit
Recently, a woman named Debra Strobel sued McDonald's for using her photo in a training manual without her permission. The photo was taken by Strobel's daughter in 2012 when Strobel spilled McDonald's coffee on herself. The photo shows Strobel's burned thighs and has been used in training materials for McDonald's employees to show the dangers of hot coffee. Strobel is seeking $500,000 in damages.
The Debate Continues
The Liebeck case and the Strobel case continue to spark debate about the responsibility of companies to warn customers about potential dangers and the role of juries in determining damages. While some argue that these cases are examples of frivolous lawsuits, others argue that they highlight important issues and the need for companies to be held accountable for their actions.
