McDonald Coffee Lawsuit That is Worth $2.9 Million Dollars
SPILL HOT COFFEE AND WIN MILLIONS
The infamous Mcdonalds Hot Coffee Lawsuit made headlines in year 1992 of which Stella Liebeck, a 79 years old grandmother who purchased a cup of hot coffee in a McDonald drive-thru. She drove away with the coffee sitting in between her legs that accidentally spilled all over her lap. The resulting burns made her file for law suit against McDonald's and won almost $3 million dollars.
"The coffee that burned Stella Liebeck was dangerously hot – hot enough to cause third-degree burns, even through clothes, in three seconds. Liebeck endured third-degree burns over 16 percent of her body, including her inner thighs and genitals – the skin was burned away to the layers of muscle and fatty tissue. She had to be hospitalized for eight days, and she required skin grafts and other treatment. Her recovery lasted two years."
The spilled coffee was estimated to be between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result she suffered third-degree burns which is the most severe burn you can get. Prior to Liebeck's incident, there have been an estimated number of 700 complaints received from other victims including children.
Intially, Stella Liebeck only wants a settlement of $20,000 with McDonald's to cover costs associated with the injury. The coffee was reportedly 30 degrees hotter compared to the typical McDonald Coffee and as a result burned 16% of her body. At the end, the jury awarded her $2.9million in damages from McDonalds.
References:
https://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/truth-behind-mcdonalds-hot-coffee-lawsuit.html
http://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-hot-coffee-lawsuit-2014-1
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